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View all(125)📈 CBSL Open Market Operations Summary - 21 September 2026
• Overnight Money Market: • Call Money: Total net volume at Rs. 43.75 Bn with a weighted average rate of 8.91% (Range: 8.86% – 8.95%). • Repo Market: Total net volume at Rs. 84.40 Bn with a weighted average rate of 8.96% (Range: 8.92% – 9.03%). • Open Market Operations: • Overnight Repo Auction: Offered Rs. 70.00 Bn; fully accepted all received bids of Rs. 59.00 Bn at a weighted average yield of 8.75%. • 7-Day Short Term Repo Auction: Offered Rs. 30.00 Bn; fully accepted all received bids of Rs. 30.00 Bn at a weighted average yield of 8.74%. • CBSL Standing Facility & Holdings: • Standing Deposit Facility: Absorbed Rs. 56.72 Bn. • CBSL Holdings: Central Bank holding of Treasury Bills and Bonds stood at a face value of Rs. 2,492.62 Bn (Book Value: Rs. 1,526.01 Bn).
📈 Sri Lanka Stocks Open Marginally Higher; ASPI at 21,070
• Market Indices & Movement • The All Share Price Index (ASPI) gained a marginal +0.07% (+14.13 points) to reach 21,070.39 at the open. • The S&P SL20 index rose +0.11% (+6.44 points) to stand at 5,935.33. • Total market turnover stood at LKR 9.97 Mn. • Sector & Stock Highlights • Telecommunication generated the highest turnover (LKR 2.38 Mn), driven by gains in Dialog Axiata (+1.09% to LKR 46.40). • Diversified Financials recorded LKR 2.13 Mn in turnover. • Other key gainers included Industrial Asphalts (+16.67% to LKR 0.70), Ceylon Land and Equity (+5.00% to LKR 8.40), Prime Lands Residencies (+2.24% to LKR 41.00), Haycarb (+0.96% to LKR 210.00), and National Development Bank (+0.45% to LKR 111.25). • Notable decliners included SMB Finance (-9.09% to LKR 1.00) and Commercial Bank (-0.12% to LKR 202.75). • Corporate Capital Raising • Softlogic Finance announced a rights issue to raise LKR 1.002 Bn via 401.07 Mn shares at LKR 2.50 each; share price rose to LKR 4.60. • Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings (hospitality/leisure) announced a debenture issue of up to LKR 5 Bn via 5-year and 7-year senior redeemable debentures at LKR 100 per unit.
📈 Sri Lanka Rupee Quoted at 331.00/25; Bond Yields Decline
• Market Performance: The Sri Lankan rupee was quoted at 331.00/25 to the US dollar in the spot market, easing slightly from 330.75/331.25 recorded last Friday. • Bond Yields: Treasury bond yields quoted lower across multiple maturities, driven by a drop in global oil prices following renewed hopes for a US peace deal: • 01.08.2030: 11.15/20% (down from 11.20/25%) • 15.12.2032: 11.50/60% (down from 11.60/70%) • 01.11.2033: 11.70/78% (down from 11.80/88%) • 15.10.2034: 11.90/12.00% (down from 11.95/12.05%) • Exchange Rates: • USD: TT buying 326.50 | selling 335.50 • EUR: TT buying 372.46 | selling 386.24 • GBP: TT buying 436.09 | selling 450.19
Bond Market Recovers Late Week Amid Volatile Yields 📈
• Secondary Bond Market: Yields moved in an inverted U-shape, spiking early due to oil prices and geopolitical tension before recovering late-week on softer Brent crude and lower US Treasury yields. However, two-way quotes closed higher overall W-o-W. Key maturities traded as follows: • 15.09.29: 10.70% → 11.10% high → 10.90% close • 01.08.30: 10.90% → 11.45% high → 11.25% close • 15.10.30: 11.10% → 11.50% high → 11.30% close • 01.02.31: High of 11.65% → 11.30% close • 15.12.32: 11.70% → 11.90% high → 11.60% close • 01.11.33: 11.85% → 12.00% high → 11.82% close • 15.09.34: 12.00% → 12.20% high → 12.05% close • Treasury Bill Auction: Reversing an 11-week downward trend, yields increased across all tenors at the PDMO auction, which successfully raised the targeted Rs. 70 Bn (bids at 2.45x offer): • 91-Day: 9.18% (+15 bps) • 182-Day: 9.36% (+12 bps) • 364-Day: 9.88% (+11 bps) • Foreign Outflows: Foreign holdings in Rupee Treasuries fell by Rs. 7.30 Bn to Rs. 206.10 Bn, breaking a 14-week streak of net inflows. • Liquidity & Currency: Interbank liquidity surplus remained elevated at Rs. 359.79 Bn (vs. Rs. 366.11 Bn prior). Call Money and Repo rates averaged 8.91% and 8.96%. The Sri Lankan Rupee depreciated against the USD to close at Rs. 330.75/331.25 (vs. Rs. 328.60/328.70 prior), with average daily spot volumes at US$ 48.45 Mn.
📈 CSE Closes Bearish Week Down 1.52% Despite Friday Rebound
• Weekly Market Overview: The Colombo bourse faced a bearish week driven by rising Middle East tensions, high oil prices, and rising Treasury yields. Weekly ASPI fell 1.52%, while the active S&P SL20 lost 1.22%. • Friday Session Recovery: Snapping a four-day losing streak as global oil prices eased, ASPI rose 0.16% (+32.83 pts) to 21,056.26, and S&P SL20 gained 0.07% (+3.93 pts) to 5,928.89. Turnover crossed Rs. 1.3 Bn with 39 Mn+ shares traded. • Key Market Movers: DIAL, MELS, HAYL, HAYC, and CARS were the top index contributors. High-net-worth investors led buying activity, while retail participation remained average. • Sector Breakdown: The capital goods sector dominated daily turnover with a 27% share, while banking and materials sectors collectively added 32%. • Foreign Investor Activity: Foreign investors remained net sellers on Friday, recording a net outflow exceeding Rs. 5.9 Mn.
📈 Sri Lanka Stocks Edge Up Friday, Closing Mixed Week with ASPI at 21,056
• Market Indices & Overview: The All Share Price Index (ASPI) gained 0.16% (+32.83 points) to close at 21,056.26, while the S&P SL20 rose 0.07% (+3.93 points) to 5,928.89. Despite Friday's gains, the ASPI closed the week down 326.48 points amidst mixed trading overall. Total market turnover reached Rs. 1.34 Bn. • Sector & Stock Highlights: • Capital Goods led market activity, generating Rs. 366.9 Mn in total turnover. • Top Positive Contributors: Dialog Axiata (+2.00% to Rs. 45.90), Melstacorp (+1.25% to Rs. 182.50), Haycarb (+2.46% to Rs. 208.00), Cargills (+1.85% to Rs. 743.25), and Hayleys (+1.00% to Rs. 226.25). • Top Negative Contributors: Laughs Gas (-7.69% to Rs. 42.00), Access Engineering (-1.28% to Rs. 77.40), Central Finance (-1.14% to Rs. 216.00), DFCC Bank (-0.60% to Rs. 124.00), and John Keells Holdings (-0.52% to Rs. 19.10). • Corporate Finance Announcements: • Banking & Finance: People's Leasing & Finance announced plans to issue 100 Mn listed, 5-year (2026/2031) debentures at Rs. 100 each to raise Rs. 10 Bn at a 13.75% p.a. fixed interest rate. • Banking & Finance: DFCC Bank completed the allotment of its Rs. 12.5 Bn Basel III compliant, Tier 2, 5-year debentures, issuing 95 Mn debentures to preferential qualified investors alongside structured allotments for other applicants.
📈 Sri Lankan Rupee Appreciates as Bond Yields Decline
• Foreign Exchange Market: Sri Lanka's rupee appreciated to close at 330.75/331.25 against the US dollar in the spot market on Friday, strengthening from 331.50/90 in the previous trading session. • Government Securities & Debt: Treasury bond yields broadly eased across maturities: - 2027 Maturity: Sept 15, 2027 bond closed lower at 9.85/10.00% (down from 9.90/10.05%). - 2028–2029 Maturities: Dec 15, 2028 bond closed at 10.50/70%; Sept 15, 2029 bond fell to 10.85/90% (down from 10.90/11.00%). - 2030–2032 Maturities: Aug 1, 2030 bond fell to 11.20/25% (down from 11.30/40%); Dec 15, 2032 bond closed at 11.60/70% (down from 11.70/80%). - Long-term Maturities: Nov 1, 2033 bond settled at 11.80/88% (from 11.80/85%); Oct 15, 2034 bond dropped to 11.95/12.05% (down from 12.00/15%).
📈 Global Crude Oil Eases After 3-Week Rally; Prices Remain Above US$ 100/bbl
• Market Movements: Crude oil prices are set for a modest weekly loss following a three-week gain, driven by reduced supply fears over Saudi Arabian crude exports. • Current Benchmarks: Brent crude traded at US$ 103.65 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) reached US$ 101.04 per barrel. • Supply Diversion: Aramco mitigated Red Sea export halts—caused by Houthi attacks on the East-West pipeline—by using ship-to-ship transfers off Oman in the Gulf of Oman, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. • Pipeline Restoration: Aramco expects to restore 2.0 to 2.5 million bpd (half of its daily flow) via the East-West pipeline, softening market panic. • Economic Context: Despite the dip, prices over US$ 100/bbl maintain severe pressure on energy import bills and domestic pump prices for net importers relying heavily on petroleum distribution.
Sri Lanka Rupee Gains to 330.90 Spot as Bond Yields and Equities Rise 📈
• Foreign Exchange & Money Market: The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) appreciated to 330.90/331.25 against the US dollar in the spot market, improving from 331.50/90. Commercial bank telegraphic transfer rates stood at: - US Dollar: Rs. 327.20 buying | Rs. 336.20 selling - Euro: Rs. 373.17 buying | Rs. 386.95 selling - British Pound: Rs. 436.03 buying | Rs. 450.14 selling • Government Securities Market: Bond yields extended recovery driven by active buying interest: - 15.09.2029: 10.85/90% (down from 10.90/11.00%) - 01.08.2030: 11.20/25% (down from 11.30/40%) - 01.02.2031: 11.30/35% (down from 11.42/48%) - 15.12.2032: 11.60/70% (down from 11.70/80%) - 01.11.2033: 11.85/90% (up from 11.80/85%) - 15.10.2034: 12.00/10% (down from 12.00/15%) • Equity Market: The Colombo Stock Exchange traded higher: - All Share Price Index (ASPI): Up 0.18% (+36.81 pts) at 21,060 - S&P SL20 Index: Up 0.16% (+9.51 pts) at 5,934
Sri Lanka Stocks Open Higher on Friday Morning 📈
• Market Indices & Movement: Colombo Stock Exchange opened in green on Friday morning. Benchmark ASPI rose 0.12% (+25.16 points) to 21,048.59, while S&P SL20 gained 0.20% (+11.73 points) to reach 5,936.69. Turnover stood at LKR 139.24 Mn, led by Materials (LKR 59.72 Mn). • Top Stock Contributors: • Gainers: Haycarb (+2.59% to LKR 208.25), Melstacorp (+1.80% to LKR 183.50), Hayleys (+0.45% to LKR 225.00), Commercial Bank (+0.25% to LKR 203.00), and Hatton National Bank (+0.07% to LKR 381.00). • Decliners: Access Engineering (-1.15% to LKR 77.50), Vallibel One (-0.78% to LKR 89.10), DFCC Bank (-0.60% to LKR 124.00), and RIL Property (-0.43% to LKR 23.00). • Corporate Sector Highlight: In the renewable energy sector, WindForce announced the scheduled commissioning of its 10 MW/40 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) facility in Anuradhapura (jointly via StoreX with Vidullanka) alongside a 5 MW floating solar plant (via Diyajanani) on September 18, 2026, boosting its generation capacity to ~268 MW.
🎨 Ivan Peries Painting Fetches Record $ 640,000 at NY Auction
• Auction Breakthrough: A masterpiece painting titled "The Well" by Sri Lankan-born artist Ivan Peries sold for $ 640,000 at Christie’s South Asian Modern + Contemporary Art auction in New York. • Record-Breaking Valuation: The sale sets a new record for a work by a Sri Lankan-born artist at auction. • Art Significance: • The work is the only one of Peries’ seven monumental “panel paintings” ever offered at an auction. • Originally exhibited at the 1958 Venice Biennale, the artwork features a rural coastal scene focused on a village well. • Cultural Legacy: Ivan Peries (1921–1988) was a founding member of Sri Lanka's '43 Group, a pivotal movement credited with pioneering modern art and cultural preservation in the country.
📉 CSE Drops to 23-Week Low Amid Macro Concerns
• Market Performance: The All Share Price Index (ASPI) fell 0.52% (-109.98 pts) to 21,023.43, while the S&P SL20 dropped 0.38% (-22.33 pts) to 5,924.96. Market breadth was heavily negative (152 losers vs. 50 gainers). • Drivers: Broad-based selling persisted due to rising domestic interest rates and sustained global crude oil prices exceeding $100/barrel. • Turnover & Foreign Activity: Total turnover reached over Rs. 1.3 Bn (55.4M shares traded), driven mostly by high-net-worth investors. Foreign investors remained net sellers with an outflow of over Rs. 213 Bn (provisional data). • Sector Breakdown: • Capital Goods: Led turnover with a 21% share (sector index -0.30%). Key stocks: Hayleys (-Rs. 3.50 to Rs. 224.00) and John Keells Holdings (+10 cents to Rs. 19.20). • Food, Beverage & Tobacco: Second highest turnover contributor (sector index -0.47%). • Banking & Others: Banking along with food & beverage collectively made up 34% of turnover. Major movers included Commercial Bank (-Re. 1.00 to Rs. 202.50) and Nations Trust Bank (-Rs. 2.50 to Rs. 304.75). • Top Drag: Main negative contributors to the ASPI were Melstacorp (MELS), Dialog Axiata (DIAL), Hayleys (HAYL), Ceylon Cold Stores/Brewery (BREW), and RIL Property (RIL).