CSE continues slide, ends down 0.28%

Thursday, 22 October 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market continued to slide as Middle East tensions continue to dampen sentiments.

The ASPI ended down 0.28% or 56.48 at 19,927.30 and the active S&P SL20 fell 0.43% or 24.60 points to 5,656.91.

Market turnover was over Rs. 1.4 billion on over 65.2 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net sellers on a net out flow of Rs. 1.04 million. Losers continued to outpace gainers 131 to 58 with COMB, CARS, CIC, DIAL and LAMB emerging top contributors to the ASPI’s decline.

First Capital Research said subdued selling edged the bourse lower for another session as global macroeconomic uncertainties kept investors cautious. Retail investor activity remained broadly muted, whilst HNW activity picked up, with a few crossings in RHTL accounting for a significant portion of the day’s turnover.

The consumer services sector accounted for the largest share of turnover at approximately 51%, followed by the banking, and capital goods sectors, which jointly contributed 28%.

NDB Securities said crossings were witnessed in The Fortress Resorts, Sampath Bank and Hatton National Bank, accounting for 58.6% of the turnover. Mixed interest was observed in Commercial Bank, Melstacorp and John Keells Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Lanka Credit and Business Finance, Cargills Bank and Janashakthi Ltd.

The consumer services sector was the top contributor to the market turnover due to The Fortress Resorts whilst the sector index lost 0.35%. The Fortress Resorts fell 40 cents to close at Rs. 21.70.

The banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover due to Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank whilst the sector index edged down by 0.02%. Commercial Bank lost Re. 1 to close at Rs. 197 and Sampath Bank closed flat at Rs. 138.50.

John Keells Holdings and Melstacorp were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of John Keells Holdings recorded a loss of 20 cents to close at Rs. 17.60 and Melstacorp declined Rs. 1.25 to end at Rs. 177.75.