CSE dips despite net foreign inflow after 22 days

Friday, 20 February 2026 00:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday hovered above the 24,000-point milestone for about half an hour in early trading but lost momentum through the session to end in the red.

The ASPI ended down 0.21% or 49.77 points at 23,870.07 and the S&P SL20 closed down 0.11% or 7.31 points at 6,743.19. The ASPI had reached an intraday high of 24,026.68 points just before 10:15 a.m.

Market turnover was over Rs. 4.9 billion on nearly 277 million shares traded.

After 22 days of constant foreign outflows, foreign investors turned to net buyers, posting a net inflow of Rs. 37 million.

First Capital said leading negative contributors to the ASPI were SAMP, DOCK, DIAL, DFCC and COMB. HNW investor participation remained subdued, while retail investor activity was high, particularly in retail trading stocks. The capital goods sector led the daily turnover with a share of 21%, followed by the Diversified Financials, and Telecommunication sectors collectively contributing 23%.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Dialog Axiata, Renuka Holdings and Hayleys. Mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings, ACME Printing and Packaging Rights and Colombo Dockyard whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing nonvoting, Tess Agro and Browns Investments.

The capital goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Hayleys) whilst the sector index gained 0.63%. The share price of John Keells Holdings gained 20 cents to Rs 22.80. The share price of Hayleys recorded a gain of Rs. 1.25 to Rs. 240.25.

The diversified financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover whilst the sector index decreased by 0.17%. Dialog Axiata, Dipped Products and ACME Printing and Packaging Rights were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Dialog Axiata decreased by 60 cents to Rs. 32.70. The share price of Dipped Products moved down by 60 cents to Rs. 57.50. The share price of ACME Printing and Packaging Rights declined by Rs. 5.30 to Rs. 2.90.