CSE dips after early rally to close in red

Friday, 21 August 2026 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday failed to sustain an early-session rally to end marginally down, extending losses for a fourth straight session.

The ASPI ended down a marginal 0.05% or 10.95 points at 21,405.62 with 121 counters ending in red against 93 in green. The active S&P SL20 ended 0.02% or 1.13 points down at 6,019.25.

Market turnover was over Rs. 1.5 billion on over 40.8 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net sellers on a net outflow of Rs. 24.8 million.

SAMP, BREW, BUKI, JKH and CDB weighed down the main index despite positive contributions from MELS, SPEN, DIAL, CFIN and HARI.

First Capital Research said the bourse advanced during early trading, supported by the decline in T-Bill yields at the auction, but failed to sustain the momentum, slipping into negative territory by mid-session before moving sideways and closing 11 points lower.

Participation from both retail and HNW investors remained low. The banking sector led the daily turnover with a share of 33%, followed by the capital goods, and insurance sectors collectively contributing 26%.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Seylan Bank, John Keells Holdings and Pan Asia Banking Corporation. Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank nonvoting, HNB Life and Windforce, whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, Lanka Credit and Business Finance and Softlogic Holdings.

The banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover due to Hatton National Bank non-voting and Seylan Bank, whilst the sector index gained 0.19%. The share price of Hatton National Bank non-voting increased by Rs. 1 to Rs. 335 and Seylan Bank lost 70 cents to close at Rs. 98.10.

The capital goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover due to John Keells Holdings, whilst the sector index edged down by 0.03%. John Keells Holdings recorded a loss of 10 cents to close at Rs. 19.80.

HNB Life and Windforce were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of HNB Life moved up by Rs. 1.25 to Rs. 149.25 and Windforce declined by 50 cents to close at Rs. 40.10.