CSE opens week in green on buoyant investor sentiment

Tuesday, 26 May 2026 06:32 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market opened the week sharply on the up on buoyant investor sentiment as the domestic currency continued to appreciate for the second consecutive day since Friday.

The market rally was broad-based with 215 counters closing in green against 27 that closed in red. The ASPI ended up 1.98% or 435.13 points at 22,364.77 and the S&P SL20 was up 1.95% or 118.08 points at 6,179.10.

Market turnover was over Rs. 2.4 billion on nearly 106.1 million shares traded. Foreigners were net sellers on a net outflow of Rs. 24.6 million.

First Capital Research said the bourse rebounded as the US and Iran progressed toward concluding peace talks to extend the ceasefire, while easing global oil prices further supported investor sentiment.

DIAL, COMB, JKH, SAMP, and HHL emerged as the top positive contributors to the ASPI. Participation from HNW and retail investors remained relatively subdued amid a cautious wait-and-see approach.

The capital goods sector led daily turnover with a share of 15%, followed by the food beverage and tobacco, and diversified financials sectors collectively contributing 28%.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Ceylon Cold Stores, Dialog Axiata and LB Finance. Mixed interest was observed in Commercial Bank, Lanka Milk Foods and Softlogic Life Insurance whilst retail interest was noted in Teejay Lanka, Softlogic Capital and Agstar.

The capital goods sector was the top contributor to market turnover due to Colombo Dockyard whilst the sector index gained 2.19%. The share price of Colombo Dockyard recorded a gain of Rs. 5 to close at Rs. 137.50.

The food, beverage and tobacco sector was the second-highest contributor to market turnover due to Ceylon Cold Stores, whilst the sector index increased by 2.41%. The share price of Ceylon Cold Stores gained Rs. 5.25 to Rs. 130.25.

Teejay Lanka, Softlogic Life Insurance and Dialog Axiata were also among the top turnover contributors. The share price of Teejay Lanka increased by 30 cents to Rs. 31.60 and Softlogic Life Insurance moved up by Rs. 3.20 to Rs. 92. Dialog Axiata appreciated by Rs. 2.60 to close at Rs. 39.90.