Tuesday Feb 17, 2026
Tuesday Feb 17, 2026
Thursday, 12 February 2026 02:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Colombo stock market yesterday ended a two-session decline to close marginally on the up.
The ASPI ended up 0.02% or 4.59 points to 23,655.68 and the S&P SL20 was up 0.09% or 6.11 points at 6,611.52.
Market turnover was over Rs. 3.35 billion on nearly 170.9 million shares traded and foreign investors were net sellers on a net outflow of Rs. 64 million.
First Capital Research said the bourse showed a mildly positive but cautious tone during the session. Both indices experienced early volatility with a mid-morning dip, followed by a gradual recovery and sideways movement into the close.
Top positive contributors to the ASPI were NHL, CFIN, CARG, JKH and LLUB. Share prices of 125 companies declined during the session, while only 98 recorded positive contributions.
HNW participation was limited, and retail investors’ participation also remained subdued, leading to low turnover.
The capital goods sector led the daily turnover with a share of 20%, followed by the food beverage and tobacco, and diversified financials sectors collectively contributing 32%.
CT Smith Securities said Samson International emerged as the top contributor to turnover with Rs. 220 million, followed by UB Finance with Rs. 172 million and Sierra Cables with Rs. 149 million turnover.
Asia Securities Research said the ASPI gained on price gains in counters such as LIOC, JKH, SUN, SAMP, COMB, and HNB. NHL, HNBX, and CFIN emerged as the major positive contributors to the index. Market breadth remained negative, with 105 counters closing in green and 132 counters closing in red.
