CSE opens week in red, down 1.33% on deepening ME crisis

Tuesday, 31 March 2026 05:22 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market started the week in red on subdued investor confidence as global oil prices hit $ 115 due to escalating Mideast tensions.

The ASPI ended down 1.33% or 283.49 points at 21,092.24 while the active S&P SL20 was down 1.52% or 91.03 to 5,908.96. Market turnover was nearly Rs. 2.2 billion on over 100 million shares traded.

First Capital Research said the bourse declined due to heightened geopolitical uncertainty and the escalation of global oil prices rattling investor confidence.

JKH, NDB, HAYL, MELS, and COMB emerged as the principal detractors, exerting the most significant downward pressure on the ASPI. Meanwhile, participation of HNW and retail investors remained notably subdued throughout the session.

The capital goods sector led the daily turnover with a share of 28%, followed by the banking, and food beverage and tobacco sectors collectively contributing 36%. Foreign investors remained net sellers, posting a net outflow of Rs. 32.5 million.

NDB Securities said the indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, National Development Bank and Hayleys.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Sampath Bank and Lanka Realty Investments. Mixed interest was observed in Lanka IOC, Browns Investments and Lanka Milk Foods whilst retail interest was noted in LOLC Finance, Co-Operative Insurance Company and HNB Finance.

The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover due to John Keells Holdings while the sector index lost 2.05%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by 40 cents to close at Rs. 18.

The banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover due to Sampath Bank whilst the sector index decreased by 1.17%. The share price of Sampath Bank fell 75 cents to Rs. 155.50.

Lanka IOC, Browns Investments and Lanka Milk Foods were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. Lanka IOC moved up by 75 cents to Rs. 140, Browns Investments gained 30 cents to Rs. 6, and Lanka Milk Foods declined by Rs. 3.20 to close at Rs. 79.90.