The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) experienced a significant upward trajectory today (07), characterized by robust trading volumes and broad-based gains. Investor sentiment remained positive throughout the session, pushing major indices further into the green.

The benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) surged by 258.09 points, representing a 1.13% increase. Simultaneously, the blue-chip S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index rose by 47.13 points (0.75%). Market liquidity remained healthy, with the total daily turnover reaching approximately Rs. 5.28 Billion.

Trading activity was heavily driven by domestic participants, who contributed Rs. 5.03 Billion to the day's turnover, while foreign participation accounted for Rs. 247.48 Million. A total of 514.6 million shares changed hands across 40,268 trades during the day.

Industrial Asphalt (ASPH) was the star performer of the session, with its share price jumping 40.00% to close at Rs. 0.70. SMB Finance also attracted significant interest, with its non-voting and voting shares rising by 33.33% and 25.00% respectively. Other notable gainers included Laxapana (+14.32%) and Mercantile Shipping (+13.17%).

On the flip side, the top losers for the day were Palm Garden Hotels, which dropped 7.08%, followed by Horana Plantations (-5.54%) and HVA Foods (-5.41%).

In terms of turnover, market heavyweights led the contribution list, with John Keells Holdings (JKH) generating Rs. 368.2 Million, followed by Commercial Bank (Rs. 345.5 Million) and Ceylon Tobacco (Rs. 337.6 Million). Industrial Asphalt topped the volume charts with 179 million shares traded, followed by SMB Finance with 134 million shares.

Foreign trading activities resulted in a net foreign outflow of Rs. 22.32 Million for the day. Foreign buying stood at Rs. 247.48 Million, while foreign selling reached Rs. 269.80 Million.