Tuesday May 05, 2026
Tuesday May 05, 2026
Tuesday, 5 May 2026 00:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Colombo stock market opened the month with positive investor sentiment, closing yesterday in green.
The ASPI ended 0.65% on the up gaining 145.47 points to 22,695.00 and the S&P SL20 was up 0.6% or 37.08 points at 6,244.64.
Market turnover was over Rs. 4.8 billion on nearly 90.2 million shares traded with 157 counters gaining and 71 closing in red.
Foreign investors were net sellers on a net outflow of over Rs. 2.45 billion, extending the year-to-debt foreign outflow to Rs. 27.6 billion, according to First Capital Research.
First Capital said that amid heightened investor optimism surrounding US–Iran peace negotiations, following Iran’s confirmation that the US had responded to its latest proposal, global capital markets showed positive momentum, which in turn supported the bourse to close in positive territory.
NDB, DIAL, MELS, DOCK and HARI emerged as the top positive contributors to turnover. HNW participation was notably elevated, with crossings accounting for 57.8% of total turnover, while retail investor participation remained subdued
The food, beverage and tobacco sector led turnover with a 56% share, followed by the banking and capital goods sectors, which collectively contributed 23%.
CTC dominated total turnover, recording Rs. 2.4 billion and accounting for 49.7% of the total turnover. Foreign investors remained net sellers, with CTC accounting for the highest foreign outflow of Rs. 2.4 billion.
NDB Securities said the indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as National Development Bank, Dialog Axiata and Melstacorp. Crossings were witnessed in Ceylon Tobacco Company, Commercial Bank and Sierra Cables, accounting for 57.8% of turnover.
Mixed interest was observed in Asiri Hospital Holdings, Housing Development Finance Corporation and Janashakthi Holdings PLC, whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing, Citrus Leisure and ACME Printing and Packaging.
The food, beverage and tobacco sector was the top contributor to market turnover due to Ceylon Tobacco Company, whilst the sector index gained 1.30%. The share price of Ceylon Tobacco Company decreased Rs. 8.75 to close at Rs. 1,800.
The banking sector was the second highest contributor to market turnover due to Commercial Bank and Housing Development Finance Corporation, whilst the sector index increased by 0.70%. The share price of Commercial Bank gained 75 cents to Rs. 210 and Housing Development Finance Corporation recorded a gain of Rs. 10.90 to close at Rs. 78.30.
Asiri Hospital Holdings and Janashakthi Holdings PLC were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Asiri Hospital Holdings moved up Rs. 2.90 to Rs. 43.90 and Janashakthi Holdings PLC appreciated 20 cents to Rs. 101.75.
