CSE rebounds, ASPI ends on new high

Thursday, 22 January 2026 03:39 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market rebounded yesterday with the main index closing at an all-time high on sustained buying interest throughout the session.

The ASPI closed 0.77% on the up, gaining 182.58 points to close on a new high of 23,806.32 points. The active S&P SL20 closed 1.14% or 74.52 points on the up to 6,619.32.

Market turnover was over Rs. 9.8 billion on nearly 180.3 million shares traded. Foriegn investors were net sellers on a net outflow of Rs. 51.1 million.

NDB Securities said the ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Hayleys, Colombo Dockyard and Sampath Bank.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hatton National Bank, Renuka Foods and Central Finance Company. Mixed interest was observed in Colombo Dockyard, Hayleys and ACL Cables, while retail interest was noted in Lanka Credit and Business Finance, Renuka Agri Foods and Hikkaduwa Beach Resort.

The capital goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover due to Colombo Dockyard, Hayleys and ACL Cables with the sector index gaining 2.66%.

The share price of Colombo Dockyard increased by Rs. 29.50 to close at Rs. 143.25, Hayleys moved up by Rs. 30.50 to Rs. 248.50, and ACL Cables appreciated by Rs. 1.75 to Rs. 107.

The banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover due to Hatton National Bank, while the sector index increased by 0.35%. Hatton National Bank gained Rs. 2.75 to close at Rs. 423.25. Renuka Foods was also included amongst the top turnover contributors with the share gaining Rs. 5.10 to Rs. 71.90.

First Capital Research said the bourse moved up steadily during the day, supported by sustained buying interest throughout the session. Top positive contributors for the ASPI were HAYL, DOCK, SAMP, VONE and SLTL. Daily turnover marked an 86.6% increase over the monthly average of Rs. 5.3 billion.

HNW investor interest were among banking, diversified financials and construction sector counters, while the broad market were keen on export-oriented companies following the recent LKR depreciation. The capital goods sector led the daily turnover by 44%, followed by the banking, and food, beverage and tobacco sectors collectively contributing 28%.