The Prime Lending Rate (PLR) is a significant factor for the Sri Lankan stock market for a couple of reasons:

• Cost of Capital: Companies listed on the stock market rely on loans to finance operations and expansion. The PLR essentially sets the baseline for how much interest businesses will pay to borrow money. A higher PLR translates to a higher cost of capital, which can eat into a company's profits and potentially hinder growth. This can make stocks less attractive to investors, putting downward pressure on prices.

• Investor Risk Perception: The PLR is also seen as an indicator of the overall health of the economy. A rising PLR is often implemented by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) to combat inflation. While this might be positive in the long run for price stability, it can signal a slowdown in economic activity in the short term. This can make investors more risk-averse, leading them to pull out of stocks and seek safer investment options.