The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) witnessed one of its highest single-day turnovers in recent years today (27), with total market turnover surging to Rs. 18.7 billion.

This was primarily driven by a major transaction involving Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB), as Browns Investments PLC divested a 9.99% stake to Ceylon Steel Corporation Ltd. The deal marked the steel giant’s significant foray into the banking sector.

A total of 45.3 million HNB shares were traded at Rs. 305.00 each via a crossing, generating Rs. 13.82 billion. Two additional crossings pushed HNB’s total turnover to Rs. 14.42 billion.

HNB led gains on the All Share Price Index (ASPI), which closed up 161.39 points at 16,667.63, while the S&P SL20 rose 77.17 points to 4,916.11.