CSE rebounds after five-day slump, ends 1.09% on the up

Thursday, 19 March 2026 04:44 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday saw a modest rebound, ending in green after declining for five straight sessions as investors chased value.

The benchmark ASPI ended up 1.09% or 222.54 points at 20,640.63 and the active S&P SL20 was down 0.08% or 4.58 points at 5,765.67.

Market turnover was over Rs. 5.27 billion on 216.39 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net sellers on a net outflow of Rs. 191.2 million.

First Capital Research said the bourse recorded a modest upward movement, supported by the stabilisation in global crude oil prices. Following the previous session’s decline, investors capitalised on attractive valuations, engaging in bargain hunting and driving a measured recovery in market sentiment.

Market breadth turned positive as 179 counters moved up during the session, led by DOCK, RIL, AEL, MELS and ACL.

Retail participation remained moderate, while HNW investor activity was elevated, driven by attractive valuations following the previous session’s decline. Activity was primarily concentrated in banking sector counters, led by crossings in HNB amounting to Rs. 607.7 million, accounting for 11.5% of the day’s turnover.

The banking sector led the daily turnover with a share of 34%, followed by the capital goods, and food beverage and tobacco sectors collectively contributing 35%.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hatton National Bank, John Keells Holdings and Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka.

Mixed interest was observed in Colombo Dockyard, Commercial Bank and Prime Lands Residencies whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, HVA Foods and Softlogic Finance.

The banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover due to Hatton National Bank and Commercial Bank while the sector index gained 0.53%. The share price of Hatton National Bank closed flat at Rs. 395.25. The share price of Commercial Bank closed flat at Rs. 193.

The capital goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover due to John Keells Holdings and Colombo Dockyard with the sector index increasing by 1.74%. The share price of John Keells Holdings lost 20 cents close at Rs. 18.70. The share price of Colombo Dockyard recorded a gain of Rs. 9.50 to close at Rs. 118.25.

Prime Lands Residencies was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Prime Lands Residencies appreciated by Rs. 4.30 to close at Rs. 47.