The ASPI dropped by a record 221.24 points, which was the second biggest drop in a single day in history, closing at 5,121.91 points.

Earlier in the day trading at the Colombo Stock Exchange was halted for a few minutes after the S & P SL20 index fell by 5%.

The record drop was attributed to foreign investors exiting from risky assets due to the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

(colombogazette.com)