Sri Lanka, Feb. 11 -- The All Share Price Index (ASPI) of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed at 16,345.30 today (11), dropping by 220.97 points (1.33%). The market turnover reached Rs. 2.3 billion.

The market experienced a decline for the second consecutive session, with sustained downward pressure throughout the day. The ASPI trended lower in the morning session and despite a brief recovery attempt by midday, it ended well below the previous day's closing level.

The banking sector exerted significant downward pressure, with Hatton National Bank (HNB), Sampath Bank (SAMP), DFCC Bank, Melstacorp (MELS), and Commercial Bank of Ceylon (COMB) being the primary negative contributors.

Ceylinco Holdings, Nations Trust Bank, and Seylan Ba...