Colombo Stock Exchange traded higher midday as the ASPI rose 0.24% (52.94 pts) to 21,886 with turnover Rs.807m, led by gains in John Keells and DFCC. Lanka Ceramic declared a final dividend of Rs.6.40 and Swisstek recommended a final dividend of Rs.0.40 per share.
The Cabinet approved a Rs.100 million allocation to support industrial and entrepreneurial initiatives, including working capital for the ceramics sector, textile support, an export exhibition and cargo security upgrades; Rs.25m will be government-funded with remainder from private sector.
Rocell launched a 1m x 1m 'Eterno' premium tile, billed as Sri Lanka’s largest manufactured tile, introducing matt-polished surfaces and new designs. The product is available islandwide and may intensify competition among local tile manufacturers.