Profit-taking leaves Colombo stock market flat

Friday, 15 August 2025 05:09 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday closed flat due to profit-taking by investors.

The benchmark ASPI dipped by 0.23% and the active S&P SL 20 by 0.60%. Turnover was over Rs. 7.06 billion involving 267.23 million shares.

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreign investors turned net sellers with a net outflow of Rs. 28.5 million.

First Capital said the Colombo Stock Exchange yesterday experienced mixed sentiment and high levels of volatility, mirroring the trend observed in recent sessions, as investors resorted predominantly towards profit taking.

The ASPI closed at 19,929, registering a drop of 47 points, amidst moderate fluctuations throughout the day. The index opened with brief gains before declining until midday, after which it recovered slightly toward the close.

Negative drivers towards the index marginally outweighed the positive ones, with HAYL, SAMP, CFIN, CARG and NDB leading the way. Yesterday’s turnover amounted to Rs. 7.1 billion, marking an 11% increase from the monthly average of around Rs. 6.4 billion. The Transportation sector dominated turnover, contributing 20% on the back of PKME crossings, followed by the Banking and Diversified Financial sectors with a combined contribution of 34%.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka, LOLC Holdings and Sampath Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Lanka Ventures, East West Properties and Hatton National Bank non-voting, whilst retail interest was noted in Hela Apparel Holdings, Citrus Leisure and Softlogic Capital.

Transportation sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka), whilst the sector index gained 16.18%. The share price of Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka increased by Rs. 17.25 to close at Rs 123.

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank and Hatton National Bank non-voting), whilst the sector index decreased by 0.57%. The share price of Sampath Bank recorded a loss of Rs. 2.75 to close at Rs. 140.25. The share price of Hatton National Bank nonvoting appreciated by 50 cents to close at Rs 300. LVL Energy Fund and East West Properties were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of LVL Energy Fund gained 90 cents to close at Rs. 9.40. The share price of East West Properties moved up by Rs. 6.70 to close at Rs 52.70.