Sri Lanka stocks trend up 1.27-pct; DCSL gains

ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange opened up on Thursday, CSE data showed, with the benchmark All Share Price Index moving up 1.27 percent.

The ASPI was up 253.39 points at 20,223.61, while the more liquid S&P SL20 was up 1.16 percent, or 65.78 points, at 5,758.35.

Positive contributors to the ASPI were Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka (up 5.19 percent at 54.70 rupees), Sunshine Holdings (up 5.07 percent at 29.00 rupees), Dialog Axiata (up 1.61 percent at 44.20 rupees), Hatton National Bank (up 1.40 percent at 380.00 rupees), and Commercial Bank of Ceylon (up 0.50 percent at 200.00 rupees).

There were no significant negative contributors to the ASPI in early trade.

Market turnover was 348.62 million rupees. Diversified Financials led turnover with 92.89 million rupees.

Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka PLC (DCSL) said that its wholly owned subsidiary, DCSL Breweries Lanka Ltd, has transferred its brewing, packaging, and distribution activities to DCSL with effect from October 28.

“Accordingly, DCSL PLC will undertake the brewing, packaging and distribution of beer in addition to its existing activities of distilling, bottling and distributing hard liquor,” the company said in a market filing.

The company noted that it had obtained the approval of the Excise Department for the transfer of the relevant licenses, adding that “while this change would be convenient for the Company and the retail shops, it would not significantly impact the Group’s profits.”

Following the transfer, DCSL will produce and distribute licensed beer brands, including Heineken, Tiger, and Anchor, as well as the group’s own brands including Aliya, Bison, and DCSL beer, in the Sri Lankan market. (Colombo/Oct29/2026)