CSE closes on the up, recovers from five-session slump

Friday, 21 November 2025 05:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market closed in green yesterday, recovering from a five-session decline on heightened buying interest.

The benchmark ASPI closed up 0.33% or 75.10 points to 23,104.96, while the active S&P SL20 gained 0.32%, up 20.60 points to 6,382.18.

Turnover was Rs. 3.49 billion involving 151.21 million shares. Foreign investors remained net sellers, registering an outflow of Rs. 40.9 million for the day.

First Capital said the Colombo Bourse yesterday broke the five-day negative streak and closed in positive territory, supported by persistent bargain buying throughout the session.

Despite the market uptick, retail participation remained muted, while HNW activity was relatively subdued. SAMP, RICH, BUKI, JKH, and CARS emerged as the key positive contributors to the index.

The Capital Goods sector dominated activity, accounting for 24% of total turnover, while the Banking and Food, Beverage and Tobacco sectors collectively contributed 39%.

NDB Securities said the ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Sampath Bank, Richard Pieris & Company and Bukit Darah.

High net worth and institutional investor participation were noted in Commercial Bank, John Keells Holdings and Melstacorp. Mixed interest was observed in CIC Holdings, Renuka Agri Foods and JF Packaging, while retail interest was noted in Citrus Leisure, LOLC Finance and Waskaduwa Beach Resort.

The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to market turnover due to John Keells Holdings, while the sector index gained 0.70%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by 20 cents to close at Rs. 22.90.

The Banking sector was the second-highest contributor to market turnover due to Commercial Bank, while the sector index increased by 0.27%. The share price of Commercial Bank gained 50 cents to close at Rs. 210.

CIC Holdings, Melstacorp and Renuka Agri Foods were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of CIC Holdings moved up by Rs. 1.20 to close at Rs. 34.20 and Melstacorp recorded a loss of Rs. 2 to close at Rs. 183. The share price of Renuka Agri Foods appreciated by 30 cents to Rs. 8.30.