Foreigners emerge net buyers after 21-days as CSE ends 0.25% on the up

Wednesday, 22 April 2026 00:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Colombo stocks ended in green yesterday on renewed optimism for peach in the Middle East with foreign investors recording a net inflow for the first time after 21-session selling streak.

The ASPI ended 0.25% on the up, gaining 55.45 points to 22,625.48 and the S&P SL20 closed a marginal 0.01% lower, down 0.33 points to 6,222.46. Market turnover was over Rs. 3.5 billion on nearly 360 million shares traded.

First Capital Research said the Colombo Bourse responded positively to the progress in ongoing Middle East peace talks, which led to a moderation in global oil prices and continued to support favourable market behaviour.

After a sustained 21-day selling streak, foreign investors reversed course to emerge as net buyers, recording a net inflow of Rs. 19.8 million. So far this month, foreign investors remain net sellers with a net outflow of approximately Rs. 2.6 billion with the YTD net inflow amounting to nearly Rs. 22.4 billion.

The top positive contributors to the index were CINS, BUKI, CFIN, MELS and NHL. The market was driven by retail participants, with trading stocks demonstrating high activity, while HNW activity remained at subdued levels.

The consumer services sector led today’s turnover with a 29% share, followed by the diversified financial and capital goods sectors, which collectively contributed 28%.

NDB Securities said the ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Bukit Darah, Central Finance Company and Melstacorp.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in ACL Cables, Hemas Holdings and Singhe Hospitals.

Mixed interest was observed in Citrus Leisure, Softlogic Finance and Hikkaduwa Beach Resort whilst retail interest was noted in Waskaduwa Beach Resort, LVL Energy Fund and Beruwala Resorts.

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers.

The consumer services sector was the top contributor to the market turnover due to Citrus Leisure PLC and Hikkaduwa Beach Resort whilst the sector index gained 0.51%. The share price of Citrus Leisure PLC decreased by 40 cents to Rs. 4.1 and Hikkaduwa Beach Resort moved down 30 cents to Rs. 6.30.

The diversified financial sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover due to Softlogic Finance and Softlogic Capital with the sector index increasing 0.85%. Softlogic Finance lost 60 cents to Rs. 8.30 and Softlogic Capital appreciated 20 cents to Rs. 17.20.

Asiri Surgical Hospital was also included amongst the top turnover contributors with counter gaining Rs. 2.80 to close at Rs. 27.