Friday Aug 14, 2026
Friday Aug 14, 2026
Thursday, 13 August 2026 00:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Colombo stock market recovered yesterday on improved sentiment driven by favourable corporate fundamentals.
Despite 113 counters ending in red against 93 in green, the ASPI inched up 0.07% or 15.77 points to 21,418.57 and the S&P SL20 was up 0.29% or 17.10 points to 6,000.24.
Market turnover was over Rs. 2 billion on over 53.6 million shares traded. Foreign investors emerged net buyers on a net inflow of over Rs. 471.8 million.
Top contributors to the ASPI were DIAL, HNB, NDB, DIPD and JKH with negative contributions coming from BREW, CINS, CARG, CTHR and CCS.
First Capital Research said activity was driven by heightened activity in selected index-heavy counters, while strong performance in companies with favourable corporate fundamentals also supported market activity.
HNW and retail participation remained at average levels. The food beverage and tobacco sector led the daily turnover with a share of 38%, followed by the banking, and capital goods sectors collectively contributing 36%.
NDB Securities said crossings were witnessed in Melstacorp, John Keells Holdings and Sampath Bank, accounting for 44.6% of the turnover. Mixed interest was observed in Sierra Cables, Seylan Bank non-voting and Dipped Products, whilst retail interest was noted in Softlogic Finance, HNB Finance and Renuka Agri Foods.
The food, beverage and tobacco sector was the top contributor to the market turnover due to Melstacorp, whilst the sector index edged up by 0.08%. The share price of Melstacorp increased 50 cents to close at Rs. 186.50.
The banking sector was the second-highest contributor to the market turnover due to Sampath Bank, whilst the sector index increased by 0.25%. Sampath Bank gained 25 cents to Rs. 137.
Sierra Cables, John Keells Holdings and Ceylon Guardian Investment Trust were also included amongst the top turnover contributors.
Sierra Cables ended up 70 cents to Rs. 32.20, John Keells Holdings gained 10 cents to 20 and Ceylon Guardian Investment Trust appreciated Rs. 2.75 to Rs. 225.
