CSE opens week in red with Rs. 80 b loss; ASPI falls below 22,000 points

Tuesday, 23 December 2025 02:47 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market opened the week in red losing Rs. 80 billion in value yesterday with the benchmark index dipping below 22,000 points for the fourth time since peaking at 23,659.70 in 12 November.

The ASPI closed yesterday down 1.13% or 250.89 points to 21,898.20 and the S&P SL20 fell 0.70% or 42.18 points to 6,014.36. Turnover was over Rs. 2.9 billion on nearly 81.9 million shares traded.

First Capital Research said the market declined on the back of extended selling on Colombo Dockyard.

Ahead of the festive season, the Colombo Bourse opened in negative territory. Selling pressure dominated both the morning and afternoon sessions, particularly as a result of the extended selling pressure observed on the Colombo Dockyard share.

Top negative contributors to the ASPI were DOCK, HNB, RICH, CARG and JKH.

Participation from both HNW and institutional investors remained muted, reflecting reduced activity ahead of the upcoming festive days.

The Capital Goods sector accounted for 33% of total turnover, while the Materials and Banking sectors contributed a combined 22%. Foreign investors turned net buyers, posting a net inflow of Rs. 8.6 million.