CSE edges up, shakes off three sessions of losses

Friday, 22 May 2026 00:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market closed in green yesterday after three consecutive sessions in the red as bargain-hunting investors drove a mild early-session rally.

The ASPI was up 0.21% or 44.72 points at 21,833.77 and the S&P SL20 gained 0.08% or 4.71 points to 6,038.71. Around 142 counters closed in positive territory against 92 that declined.

Market turnover was nearly Rs. 2.16 billion on over 76 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net buyers on this volumes for the third consecutive session on a net inflow of Rs. 1.46 million.

Frist Capital Research said the Colombo Bourse concluded the session in positive territory, but ended almost flat, erasing the uptick observed during the early hours of trading. Opportunities for bargain purchases drove the early gains. However, rupee depreciation and the overall macroeconomic uncertainty surrounding the Sri Lankan economy eroded early gains, resulting in a stagnant close to the session.

MELS, DOCK, ACL, PLC and CCS emerged as the top positive contributors to the ASPI. Participation levels from both HNW and retail investors remained low, reflecting an overall subdued market sentiment.

The banking sector led daily turnover with a share of 28%, followed by the capital goods and diversified financials sectors collectively contributing 30%.

Asia Securities Research the ASPI advance was led by price gains in DOCK (+3.7%), PLR (+3.0%), ACL (+1.9%), and CCS (+1.9%). Turnover was led by HNBN (Rs. 387 million), ACL (Rs. 85 million), and JXG (Rs. 80 million).

MELS (+11 points), DOCK (+9 points), and ACL (+5 points) were the major index movers for the session.