Colombo stocks extend rebound into second session

Thursday, 18 September 2025 03:41 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market closed up yesterday continuing its rebound for the second consecutive session on buoyant investor sentiments.

The benchmark ASPI closed 0.76% higher, up 156.05 points to 20,775.42. The active S&L SL20 gained 0.59% to end 34.89 points up at 5,903.00.

Turnover was Rs. 6.61 billion on over 238.8 million shares traded during the day.

Foreigners were net sellers with an outflow of Rs. 580 million, up from Rs. 270.8 million the previous session.

NDB Securities said the indices closed in the green as a result of price gains in counters such as Commercial Bank, Hemas Holdings and Melstacorp with the turnover crossing Rs. 6.6 billion.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Chevron Lubricants, Access Engineering and Hatton National Bank non-voting.

Mixed interest was observed in Sierra Cables, Alumex and Hemas Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Asia Siyaka Commodities, LVL Energy Fund and Browns Investments.

Foreign participation remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Sierra Cables and Hemas Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 0.19%. The share price of Sierra Cables decreased by Rs 0.20 (0.63%) to close at Rs 31.40.

The share price of Hemas Holdings recorded a gain of Rs 1.10 (3.63%) to close at Rs 31.40.

The Materials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Alumex and Chevron Lubricants) whilst the sector index increased by 1.76%.

The share price of Alumex gained Rs 2.10 (11.23%) to close at Rs 20.80. The share price of Chevron Lubricants moved up by Rs 0.50 (0.29%) to close at Rs 173.25.

R I L Property was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of R I L Property appreciated by Rs 0.60 (1.71%) to close at Rs 35.60.

First Capital Research said The Colombo Stock Exchange continued the buying sentiment from Monday, backed by investor positivity towards selected Banking counters and Conglomerates.

Moreover, interest was also observed on Hotel and Retailing sector counters which saw increased gains during the day.

The ASPI closed at 20,775, gaining 156 points from the previous day’s end.

COMB, HHL, MELS, NTB and SINS were the top positive contributors to the index. High retail participation was observed during the day.

Turnover amounted to Rs. 6.6 billion, with Capital Goods sector leading with 26% share, followed by a combined contribution of 27% from Materials sector and Retailing sector.

Foreign investors remained net sellers with an outflow of Rs. 580 million.