CSE ends in red, continues bearish slide

Thursday, 16 July 2026 03:39 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday closed in red on profit taking and heavy foreign selling, extending its bearish run for the third consecutive day.

The ASPI was down 0.03% or 7.19 points at 21,417.80 as counters that ended in red and the S&P SL20 was down 0.14%, or 8.38 points at 5,988.62.

Market turnover was over Rs. 1.22 billion on over 56.93 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net sellers on a heavy net outflow of Rs. 36.7 million.

First Capital said the market traded in positive territory during the early part of the session but erased its gains to end slightly lower as investors remained cautious amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. HNW participation remained low, with retail participation at average levels. The main negative contributors to the ASPI were DIAL, HNB, CFIN, COMB, and BUKI.

Banking sector led the daily turnover with a share of 27%, followed by the Materials, and Capital Goods sectors collectively contributing 37%.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Sampath Bank, Hayleys and Hatton National Bank snon-voting. Mixed interest was observed in Haycarb, John Keells Holdings and Commercial Bank, whilst retail interest was noted in Lanka Credit and Business Finance, ACME Printing & Packaging and Kotagala Plantations.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover due to Sampath Bank, whilst the sector index lost 0.31%. The share price of Sampath Bank closed flat at Rs. 137.

Materials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover due to Haycarb and Chevron Lubricants, whilst the sector index increased by 0.71%. The share price of Haycarb gained Rs. 8.50 to close at Rs. 175.75. The share price of Chevron Lubricants appreciated by 25 cent to close at Rs. 198.25.

John Keells Holdings and Hayleys were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved up by 10 cents to close at Rs. 19.90. The share price of Hayleys recorded a gain of 50 cents to close at Rs. 230.50.