Indices close in red

Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange closed higher on Friday, Oct. 16, extending its rebound for a second consecutive session, according to Daily FT and EconomyNext. The ASPI rose 213.90 points, or 1.07%, to 20,185.05. The S&P SL20 advanced 0.82%, or 46.74 points, to 5,745.76.

EconomyNext reported that Dialog Axiata, Ceylon Cold Stores, Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka, Hatton National Bank and Softlogic Capital were among the main positive contributors. Carson Cumberbatch, LOLC Finance, Vallibel One and Ceylon Tobacco Company were among the negative contributors. The Materials industry group led turnover with Rs 273.33 million, followed by banks at Rs 236.3 million. Crossings were recorded in CIC Holdings, Seylan Bank, Distilleries and People’s Leasing & Finance; CIC Holdings had the largest, valued at Rs 46.5 million, according to an NDB Securities research manager cited by EconomyNext.

EconomyNext put Friday’s market turnover at Rs 1.14 billion, while Daily Mirror said it exceeded Rs 1.5 billion. The publication also reported that Vidullanka received a letter of acceptance for a US$1.35 million turnkey engineering and construction contract from Fiji’s Department of Energy. The project is for a 100-kilowatt mini-hydro plant at Buca Village and represents the company’s entry into the Pacific island region.

Despite the late-week gains, Daily FT reported the ASPI was down 0.65% over the week, while the S&P SL20 lost 0.86%. Earlier reports show the ASPI rose 0.88% on Thursday, Oct. 15, then was up 0.60% during Friday trading before reaching its reported closing level.

Written automatically by AI from the outlets’ own reports, and not reviewed by an editor. It can be wrong — the original report is the authority.