The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) marked a significant recovery on Friday, 8 May 2026, as the All Share Price Index (ASPI) reclaimed the 23,000 threshold once again, after a period of decline in the last two months and subsequent slow gains. Intra-day charts showed the index gaining momentum throughout the session on the 8, briefly peaking near 23,100 before settling slightly lower.

At the close of trading, the market indices reached the following levels: All Share Price Index (ASPI): Closed at 23,063.98, up 66.12 points (+0.29%); and S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index: Closed at 6,319.24, recording a gain of 26.98 points (+0.43%).

The day's performance was supported by a robust total turnover of Rs. 4,094,944,637.20 (approximately Rs. 4.09 billion). Trading activity was heavily weighted toward domestic investors, who accounted for over Rs. 3.96 billion of total purchases, while foreign purchase value stood at Rs. 128.88 million. A total of 14,312 trades were executed, involving a share volume of more than 273 million.

Key market drivers included Ceylinco Insurance PLC (CINS.N) and Hayleys PLC (HAYL.N), adding 20.90 and 20.75 points respectively. Other notable gainers included Colombo Dockyard PLC (DOCK.N), which not only added 15.95 points to the index but also led the market in turnover with Rs. 573.63 million. Conversely, John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH.N) was the top negative contributor, shedding 10.69 points.