Trading at the stock market halted for the fifth day

COLOMBO (News1st): The Colombo stock market's share index S&P SL 20 plunged nearly 12 percent, recording its biggest intra-day fall, while its benchmark All Share Price Index fell over 6 percent due to the panic selling of risky assets following the government imposed curfews over the weekend. Tradings at the stock market closed at 12 noon, an hour before the scheduled, the bourse said the move to facilitate its employees to return home before the curfew. Before the market closed, trading halted for the fifth day after the most liquid S&P SL 20 Index fell below 5 percent. The Index ended 11.90 percent weaker at 1,943.55 points, while the benchmark All Share Price Index fell 6.22 percent to 4,571.63 points. The turnover was Rs 420.8 million. Dealers said that the Bond markets were inactive and that trading in Sri Lanka’s forex markets was also thin.