CSE ends on the up

Friday, 14 August 2026 05:44 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday closed in green following improved investor sentiments.

The ASPI was up 0.56% or 120.43 points to 21,539, while the active S&P SL20 gained 0.53% or 31.85 points at 6,032.09. Turnover was Rs. 2.77 billion involving 76.74 million shares traded.

Foreign investors remained net sellers, posting a net outflow of Rs. 624.5 million.

First Capital Research said the market recorded average turnover, with high retail participation despite relatively low HNW participation. The decline in T-Bill rates and positive results from selected banks supported buying interest during the session. DIAL, CARG, DFCC, NDB, and AEL were the main positive contributors to the ASPI. The banking sector led the daily turnover with a share of 38%, followed by the Capital Goods, and Materials sectors collectively contributing 30%.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Sampath Bank, Cargills and Seylan Bank nonvoting. Mixed interest was observed in Sierra Cables, Dialog Axiata and Agstar, whilst retail interest was noted in Softlogic Holdings, Renuka Agri Foods and Asia Siyaka Commodities.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover due to Sampath Bank, whilst the sector index gained 0.77%. The share price of Sampath Bank increased by 75 cents to close at Rs 137.75.

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover due to Sierra Cables and John Keells Holdings, whilst the sector index edged up by 0.02%. The share price of Sierra Cables gained 90 cents to close at Rs. 33.10. The share price of John Keells Holdings closed flat at Rs. 20. Cargills and Dialog Axiata were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Cargills recorded a gain of Rs. 26.75 to close at Rs. 688.75. The share price of Dialog Axiata appreciated by Rs. 1.20 to close at Rs. 46.20.