The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) witnessed a strong rally today (25), with benchmark indices recording notable gains amid broad-based buying interest.

The benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) surged by 435.13 points, or 1.98%, to close at 22,364.77, while the S&P SL20 Index, which tracks the market’s most liquid stocks, gained 118.08 points, or 1.95%, to settle at 6,179.10.

Market turnover stood at Rs. 2.42 billion, driven mainly by domestic investor participation. Local investors recorded purchases worth Rs. 2.39 billion and sales amounting to Rs. 2.37 billion.

Meanwhile, foreign investors posted a net outflow of Rs. 24.57 million, with foreign purchases totaling Rs. 27.09 million against sales of Rs. 51.67 million.

Market breadth remained strongly positive, with share prices of 137 companies gaining over 2% during the session.

The ASPI rally was led by several blue-chip and banking sector counters, with the top contributors being:

• Dialog Axiata - 36.78 points
• Commercial Bank of Ceylon - 17.50 points
• John Keells Holdings - 16.04 points
• Sampath Bank - 14.69 points
• Hemas Holdings - 13.97 points

A total of 106.1 million shares were traded during the session.

Market capitalization rose to Rs. 8.11 trillion at the close of trading, compared to Rs. 7.95 trillion recorded at the previous market close.