CSE ends down 0.22% on weak sentiment

Thursday, 25 June 2026 05:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday ended in red on weak investor sentiment and selling pressure in select Blue-chip stocks.

The ASPI was down 0.22% or 47.91 points to 22,208.58 with 140 counters closing in red against 76 in green. The active S&P SL20 closed down 0.19% or 12 points at 6,181.65.

Turnover was nearly Rs. 1.2 billion on over 48.4 million shares traded. Foreigners were net sellers on a net outflow of Rs. 130.6 million.

First Capital Research said investor sentiment remained cautious as selling pressure in selected Blue-chip counters weighed on market performance. Turnover remained subdued, while both HNW and retail participation stayed at low levels.

The main negative contributors to the ASPI were SAMP, JKH, LOLC, GRAN, and RICH. The capital goods sector led the daily turnover with a share of 16%, followed by the telecommunication and materials sectors collectively contributing 32%.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Dialog Axiata, Aitken Spence and Central Industries. Mixed interest was observed in Bogala Graphite Lanka, LB Finance and Haycarb, whilst retail interest was noted in LOLC Finance, Browns Investments and Ceylon Land and Equity.

The capital goods sector was the top contributor to market turnover due to Aitken Spence, whilst the sector index edged down by 0.05%. The share price of Aitken Spence recorded a gain of Rs. 1.50 to close at Rs. 158.25.

The telecommunication services sector was the second-highest contributor to market turnover due to Dialog Axiata, whilst the sector index decreased by 0.53%. Dialog Axiata declined by 30 cents to Rs. 45.60.

Bogala Graphite Lanka, LB Finance and Haycarb were also among the top turnover contributors. Bogala Graphite Lanka gained Rs. 17.50 to Rs. 155, LB Finance declined by Rs. 1.75 to Rs. 175.25, and Haycarb appreciated by Rs. 5.25 to close at Rs. 156.50.