Colombo Stock Exchange Hits Historic Milestone: ASPI Surpasses 23,000 Units
By Lions Roar News Business & Finance Desk
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA (Wednesday, January 14, 2026) — The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) is cementing its reputation as one of Asia’s top-performing markets, achieving a historic milestone this morning as the All Share Price Index (ASPI) soared past the 23,000-unit mark for the first time in history.
Buoyed by stellar 2025 performance data and aggressive expansion plans for 2026, authorities have signaled a “full steam ahead” approach to keep the momentum going.
📈 Record-Breaking Growth
The market’s surge follows an exceptional 2025, where the ASPI grew by 41.9% and the S&P SL20 grew by 26.6%. Market capitalization has reached a staggering Rs. 8.07 trillion, a nearly 42% increase from the previous year.
“The Colombo Stock Exchange remains a highly profitable investment opportunity. Low interest rates and rising corporate earnings are driving this surge.” — Softlogic Stockbrokers Report
🏘️ Taking the Market Beyond Colombo
In a move to decentralize investment opportunities, CSE Chairman Dimuthu Abeysekera announced plans to expand operations across the island. Currently, over 60% of active accounts are concentrated in the Colombo district.
- New Branch Openings: New branches are set to open in Galle, Kegalle, and Gampaha, along with an additional branch in Colombo.
- Account Targets: Authorities aim to increase the number of active trading accounts from 53,000 to between 75,000 and 80,000 by the end of 2026.
- Awareness: The “Share for All” program, in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), will focus on educating rural populations about the benefits of stock market investment.
🌍 Global Investor Outreach
To attract more foreign capital, the CSE is launching an international roadshow this month:
- Middle East: Investor sessions are scheduled in Dubai (UAE) and Saudi Arabia later this January.
- Europe: A series of promotional programs in Europe are currently in the planning stages for later this year.
💼 Listing & Debenture Boom
2025 saw 24 new companies listed on the exchange through IPOs and debentures. CSE CEO Rajeeva Bandaranaike stated that while there are currently no new IPO applications directly with the CSE, investment banks are processing approximately 20 applications at various stages. He also noted a high volume of applications for corporate debentures and sustainable “Social/Green Bonds.”
