CSE ends in red, loses Rs. 70 b in week

Saturday, 20 December 2025 00:33 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

ASPI movement in week ending 19 Dec. (Source: CSE)

The Colombo stock market ended a volatile week in the red on sustained selling pressure amid low participation levels.

The ASPI closed down 0.64% or 143.48 points to 22,149.09 and the active S&P SL20 closed 0.16% lower or 9.89 points at 6,056.54. Turnover was over Rs. 3.45 billion on 75.1 million shares traded.

Foreigners were net sellers on a net outflow of Rs. 49.6 million.

During the week, the CSE lost Rs. 70 billion in value with the ASPI falling 1.59% or 359.17 points week-on-week while the S&P SL20 was down 41.12 points or 0.67%. The market has lost Rs. 271 billion in value since 21 November 2025.

First Capital Research said the CSE opened the day high and declined sharply during early trading hours followed by a gradual downward drift indicating sustained selling interest with limited buying support.

Top negative contributors to the ASPI were DOCK, MELS, HHL, JKH and NDB. Participation from both HNW and retail investors remained subdued today, continuing the muted engagement that was observed throughout the week.

The Capital Goods sector accounted for 31% of total turnover, while the Materials and Food Beverage and Tobacco sectors contributed a combined 22%. Foreign investors turned net sellers, posting a net outflow of Rs. 42.6 million.