CSE up 7% in April, highest monthly gain since July ‘25

Friday, 1 May 2026 09:46 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market ended April in red yesterday with the indices recording overall gains during the month, with the ASPI making its biggest monthly gain since July 2025.

During the month, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 gained 7% and 5.1% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 3.66 billion, according to NDB Securities.

Yesterday the indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Sampath Bank and Commercial Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 3.4 billion. The ASPI was down 0.38% or 85 points at 22,550 and the S&P SL20 fell 0.54% or 33 points to close at 6,208.

Foreign investors remained net sellers on a net outflow of Rs. 75 million.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Access Engineering and Elpitiya Plantations. Mixed interest was observed in Janashakthi Limited, Kotagala Plantations and Watawala Plantations whilst retail interest was noted in UB Finance Company, Hela Apparel Holdings and Citrus Leisure.

The capital goods sector was the top contributor to market turnover due to John Keells Holdings and Access Engineering whilst the sector index lost 0.56%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased 20 cents to Rs. 20.40 and Access Engineering moved up 90 cents to close at Rs. 76.90.

The food, beverage and tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to market turnover due to Elpitiya Plantations and Melstacorp whilst the sector index edged up by 0.10%. The share price of Elpitiya Plantations recorded a gain of Rs. 5.25 to close at Rs. 186.25 and Melstacorp declined by Re. 1 to close at Rs. 183.

Janashakthi Ltd., was also included amongst the top turnover contributors with the share price falling 40 cents to close at Rs. 13.30.

First Capital Research said the uncertain global geopolitical environment and the mixed investor sentiment weighed on the market yesterday.

DIAL, JKH, COMB, CCS and MELS emerged as the top negative contributors to the ASPI. HNW investor participation was observed at an elevated level as crossings accounted for 26% of daily turnover. Retail investor participation was observed at an average level.

The capital goods sector led the daily turnover with a share of 29%, followed by the food beverage and tobacco, and diversified financial sectors collectively contributing 40%.