CSE ends in red on profit-taking, subdued activity

Friday, 19 December 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market closed yesterday in the red in another session characterised by sharp volatility amid subdued activity and profit taking.

After gradually declining and more than wiping out any gains from an early trading rally, the market recovered somewhat with the ASPI ending down 0.17% or 37.12 points to 22,292.57 and the active S&P SL20 closed flat, down a marginal 0.06% or 3.90 points to 6,066.43.

Turnover was over Rs. 2.3 billion on nearly 57.1 million shares traded.

First Capital Research said the Colombo Bourse opened strong and climbed sharply during the early session, before easing through the late morning amid low participation, profit-taking and selling pressure.

Top negative contributors to the ASPI were DOCK, SFCL, RICH, MELS and BREW. HNW and retail investors’ participation remained subdued, generating a low turnover. The Materials sector accounted for 27% of total turnover, while the Capital Goods and Diversified Financials sectors contributed a combined 36%.

Foreign investors turned net buyers, posting a net inflow of Rs. 63.8 million.

NDB Securities said the decline was a result of price losses in counters such as Colombo Dockyard, Senkadagala Finance and Richard Pieris and Company.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Tokyo Cement Company, Hemas Holdings and Hayleys.

Mixed interest was observed in Tokyo Cement Company (non-voting), Colombo Dockyard and Renuka Agri Foods whilst retail interest was noted in LOLC Finance, Lanka Credit and Business Finance and Browns Investments.

The Materials sector was the top contributor to the market turnover due to Tokyo Cement Company (non-voting) and Tokyo Cement Company while the sector index gained 0.43%.

The share price of Tokyo Cement Company (non-voting) increased by Rs. 1.30 to close at Rs. 90.50. The share price of Tokyo Cement Company gained Rs. 2.75 to close at Rs. 111.

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover due to Hemas Holdings and Colombo Dockyard while the sector index decreased by 0.16%.

The share price of Hemas Holdings moved down by 20 cents to close at Rs. 35.30 and Colombo Dockyard recorded a loss of Rs. 12 to close at Rs. 189.75. Renuka Agri Foods was also included amongst the top turnover contributors with the share price closing flat at Rs. 10.60.