CSE opens week in red, down 0.89% on Mideast tensions

Tuesday, 21 April 2026 00:12 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market opened the week with a sharp fall, closing in red yesterday weighed down by growing tensions in the Middle East.

The benchmark ASPI ended down 0.89% or 203.26 points at 22,570.03 and the active S&P SL20 closed down 0.66% or 41.15 points at 6,222.79.

Market turnover was over Rs. 4.1 billion on more than 257.7 shares traded and foreign investors remained net sellers, posting a net outflow of Rs. 78.5 million.

First Capital Research said that following the escalation in geopolitical conflicts over the weekend and higher global oil prices, the Colombo bourse recorded a steep fall during early trading hours, which marginally recovered; however, it closed the day in negative territory with RIL, CTHR, DIAL, COMB and BIL emerged as the top negative contributors to the ASPI.

HNW investor participation was low, while retail investor activity remained at elevated levels, particularly in trading stocks. The capital goods sector led the daily turnover with a share of 19%, followed by the diversified financials and banking sectors, collectively contributing 27%.

NDB Securities said the ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as RIL Property, CT Holdings and Dialog Axiata.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Access Engineering, Janashakthi Insurance Company and Central Finance Company. Mixed interest was observed in Softlogic Finance, Hikkaduwa Beach Resort and Softlogic Capital whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing, Waskaduwa Beach Resort and Co-Operative Insurance Company.

The capital goods sector was the top contributor to market turnover due to Softlogic Holdings and John Keells Holdings whilst the sector index lost 0.51%. The share price of Softlogic Holdings recorded a gain of 60 cents to close at Rs. 17.70. The share price of John Keells Holdings closed flat at Rs. 20.40.

The diversified financial sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover due to Softlogic Finance and Softlogic Capital whilst the sector index decreased by 0.76%. The share price of Softlogic Finance increased 90 cents to Rs. 8.90 and Softlogic Capital moved down 10 cents to Rs. 17.

Hikkaduwa Beach Resort was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Hikkaduwa Beach Resort gained 80 cents to Rs. 6.60.