Sri Lanka's Stock Market Hits Record High: What Happened and What It Means

Colombo, June 30, 2025 — Sri Lanka’s stock market reached a major milestone on Monday, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) crossing 18,000 points for the first time ever, according to the Colombo Stock Exchange.

The ASPI closed at 18,026, up 153.98 points (or 0.86%) from the previous day. Since the beginning of the year, the index has grown by nearly 13%.

The S&P SL20 Index, which tracks the 20 largest and most traded stocks, also rose by 1.31% to close at 5,352 points. Trading turnover for the day was a solid 6.3 billion rupees.

“This is an all-time high — the market is very bullish,” said Dimantha Mathew, Chief Research and Strategy Officer at First Capital Holdings. He noted that investors are buying shares across many sectors, with strong demand for blue-chip companies, banks, and diversified financial firms.

There was also interest in consumer goods and construction stocks, Mathew added. Importantly, he pointed out that all types of investors — from everyday individuals to large corporations and wealthy individuals — were active in the market.

Why is this happening?

Several factors are likely boosting investor confidence:

Improved economic outlook or foreign investment expectations

Strong corporate performance

Market optimism, possibly tied to upcoming policy changes or reforms

What could happen next?

If this momentum continues, the market may see further gains, especially if economic and political conditions remain stable. However, as with any stock market rally, risks remain — including potential interest rate changes, global economic shifts, or domestic policy uncertainties.

For now, investors seem confident and excited about the opportunities ahead.