Tuesday May 19, 2026
Tuesday May 19, 2026
Tuesday, 19 May 2026 02:27 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Colombo stock market yesterday started the week down sharply to its lowest in more than a month with the benchmark index recording its third highest single day points decline
The ASPI was down 2.59% or 592.28 points at 22,313.47 and the S&P SL20 was down 1.95% or 122.26 points at 6,161.98.
The ASPI decline was the third largest single-day decline since after 1,290.68 points in 3 March 2026, 690.76 points in 1 December 2025 and above the 561.75 points decline in 2 February 2021.
Market turnover was nearly Rs. 4.9 billion on over 210 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net sellers on a net outflow of Rs. 114.3 million.
First Capital Research said the Continued LKR depreciation against the USD, the uncertain geopolitical environment, and the cumulative impact of negative news and uncertainty surrounding the Sri Lankan economy weakened investor sentiment, triggering a significant market sell-off today as the CSE closed in negative territory.
JKH, RIL, HAYL, COMB, and DOCK emerging as the key negative contributors to the ASPI. Participation from HNW investors remained at an average level, while heightened retail investor activity contributed to increased selling pressure during the session.
The capital goods sector led the daily turnover with a share of 31%, followed by the banking, and diversified financials sectors collectively contributing 25%.
NDB Securities said the ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, R I L Property and Hayleys.
High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Hemas Holdings and Hatton National Bank. Mixed interest was observed in ACL Cables, Prime Lands Residencies and Access Engineering whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing nonvoting, SMB Leasing and Hela Apparel Holdings.
The capital goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover due to John Keells Holdings, ACL Cables, Hemas Holdings and Prime Lands Residencies whilst the sector index lost 2.83%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased 40 cents to close at Rs. 20.30, ACL Cables lost Rs. 4.50 to Rs. 98.50, and Hemas Holdings moved down 90 cents to Rs. 31.80. The share price of Prime Lands Residencies recorded a loss of Rs. 2.50 to close at Rs. 46.00.
The banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover due to Hatton National Bank whilst the sector index decreased by 1.50%. The share price of Hatton National Bank declined by Rs. 4.75 to close at Rs. 407.50.
