The Colombo Stock Exchange closed on a positive note today (02), with the benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) gaining 51.80 points or 0.33% to end at 15,851.74.

In contrast, the S&P SL20 index, which tracks the top 20 largest and most liquid stocks, slipped by 5.37 points or 0.12% to settle at 4,638.29.

Marking one of the highest daily turnovers in recent sessions, the market recorded a robust Rs. 5.9 billion in total turnover, buoyed by two major crossings. C T Holdings PLC and Cargills (Ceylon) each saw crossings worth Rs. 2 billion, significantly driving today’s trading value. Lankem Developments PLC and Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC followed with Rs. 214 million and Rs. 197 million in turnover, respectively.

A total of 77.3 million shares changed hands during the session.

Market breadth was positive, with 121 stocks advancing against 60 decliners.

Among the top positive contributors to the ASPI were Pan Asia Banking Corporation, C T  Holdings, DFCC Bank, Melstacorp, and Nations Trust Bank. Meanwhile, index-heavy counters such as John Keells Holdings, Hatton National Bank, Commercial Bank, National Development Bank Access Engineering weighed negatively on the index.