Tuesday Feb 24, 2026
Tuesday Feb 24, 2026
Wednesday, 28 January 2026 00:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Colombo stock market once again crossed the 24,000-mark in early trading yesterday but retreated to end marginally up from the previous session on subdued investor sentiment.
The ASPI ended on the up by 0.03% or 7.07 points at 23,960.16 and the active S&P SL20 gained 0.14% or 9.25 points to close at 6,672.37.
Market turnover was over Rs. 5.2 billion on 272.48 million shares traded.
First Capital Research said top positive contributors to the ASPI were JKH, HAYL, DOCK, GRAN and NHL.
HNW participation remained low, while retail investor activity was at average levels. Market activity was driven by penny stocks, while trading in blue-chip companies remained subdued.
The capital goods sector led the daily turnover with a share of 31%, followed by the diversified financials and banking sectors collectively contributing 21%. Foreign investors remained net sellers, posting a net outflow of Rs. 128.2 million.
NDB Securities said High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, LOLC Holdings and Hemas Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Colombo Dockyard, EML Consultants and Asia Siyaka Commodities whilst retail interest was noted in Tess Agro, UB Finance Company and HVA Foods.
The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover due to Colombo Dockyard and John Keells Holdings while the sector index gained 0.83%. The share price of Colombo Dockyard increased by Rs. 5 to close at Rs. 152 and John Keells Holdings gained 50 cents to close at Rs. 22.60.
The Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover due to LOLC Holdings and Asia Siyaka Commodities while the sector index decreased by 0.26%. The share price of LOLC Holdings moved down by Rs. 3.50 to close at Rs. 614.25 and Asia Siyaka Commodities appreciated by 60 cents to Rs.12.20.
EML Consultants PLC was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of EML Consultants PLC recorded a gain of Rs. 1.90 to close at Rs. 10.20.
Asia Securities said net foreign buying topped in NTB.N at Rs. 17.4 million while net foreign selling topped in JKH.N at Rs. 114.3 million. Crossings accounted for 10.8% of turnover led by JKHN (Rs. 173.1 million), LOLC.N (Rs. 124 million), and HHL.N (Rs. 100.6 million. Market P/E was 11.36. Market breadth remained negative, with 113 price gainers outweighed by 130 price decliners.
