The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) touched new heights today (27 August), with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) climbing 139.82 points to close at 20,753.21, surpassing its previous record of 20,715.49.

The rally, driven largely by strong domestic buying interest, also lifted the S&P SL20 Index by 13.64 points to 6,062.44.

Turnover for the day topped Rs. 7.39 billion, with domestic investors dominating activity at Rs. 6.98 billion. Foreign participation remained subdued, with sales of Rs. 467 million exceeding purchases of Rs. 404 million.

Market capitalization rose to Rs. 7.31 trillion, reinforcing the bullish sentiment across the board.

A total of 145 stocks contributed positively to the ASPI, led by ACCESS ENGINEERING PLC, VALLIBEL ONE PLC, CEYLON TOBACCO COMPANY PLC, ROYAL CERAMICS LANKA PLC and CARGILLS (CEYLON) PLC, while 69 counters dragged the index down, with JOHN KEELLS HOLDINGS PLC, L O L C HOLDINGS PLC, COMMERCIAL CREDIT AND FINANCE PLC, PEOPLE'S LEASING & FINANCE PLC and CARSON CUMBERBATCH PLC among the main negative contributors.