CSE down 1.66% during week, turnover down to 65-week low

Saturday, 18 July 2026 03:19 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market failed to sustain an early trading rally and ended the week in red with turnover hitting a 65-week low.

During the week, the ASPI was down 1.7% or 360.56 points and the active S&P SL20 was down 1.3% or 77.78 points.

Yesterday, the ASPI ended down 0.20% or 42.16% at 21,405.41 with 128 counters ending in red against 66 in green. The top contributors to the ASPI decline were LOLC, JKH, CARG, PKME and NDB. The S&P SL20 fell 0.09% or 5.31 points to 5,999.68.

Turnover fell to Rs. 722.64 billion—the lowest since 17 April 2025 of Rs. 792 million—on nearly 32 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net sellers on a net outflow of Rs. 108.4 million.

First Capital Research said investor sentiment remained subdued as selling pressure persisted, with investors largely adopting a wait-and-see approach ahead of the upcoming quarterly earnings season. Ongoing geopolitical tensions also continued to weigh on market confidence.

Both HNW and retail investor participation remained low during the session, resulting in thin trading activity and the exceptionally weak turnover.

The banking sector led the daily turnover with a share of 26%, followed by the capital goods, and food beverage and tobacco sectors collectively contributing 32%.

NDB Securities said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Chevron Lubricants, Lanka IOC and ACL Cables. Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank, John Keells Holdings and Lanka Milk Foods, whilst retail interest was noted in UB Finance Company, Renuka Agri Foods and ACME Printing and Packaging.

The banking sector was the top contributor to market turnover due to Sampath Bank whilst the sector index gained 0.18%. The share price of Sampath Bank closed flat at Rs. 137.

The capital goods sector was the second-highest contributor to market turnover due to John Keells Holdings, whilst the sector index decreased by 0.12%. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved down cents to Rs. 19.90.

Lanka IOC, Chevron Lubricants and Lanka Milk Foods were also among the top turnover contributors. The share price of Lanka IOC gained 25 cents to Rs. 136.50, Chevron Lubricants lost 25 cents to end at Rs. 197.75, and Lanka Milk Foods closed flat at Rs. 84.50.