CT Smith says 2025 record-breaking year for CSE fuelled by retail interest

Tuesday, 6 January 2026 02:47 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Leading stockbroking firm CT Smith Securities has said that the Colombo bourse closed positively in 2025, with both benchmark indices reaching record highs, primarily driven by retail interest.

It said that the All Share Price Index rose 42% year-on-year (YoY) to 22,624 points, while the more liquid S&P SL20 index increased 27% YoY to 6,157 points.

“Sri Lanka’s ASPI was the third-best performer compared to regional markets, trailing only behind South Korea and Pakistan with a 76% YoY and 45% YoY gain, respectively,” CT Smith added.

It said a net foreign outflow of Rs. 38,563 million was recorded in 2025, following a net foreign outflow of Rs. 9,895 million in 2024. During the year, net foreign buying was seen in Cargills (Ceylon) (CARG, +Rs. 2,557 million), Dialog Axiata (DIAL, +Rs. 2,075 million), Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka (PKME, +Rs. 905 million), and Richard Pieris & Company (RICH, +Rs. 679 million), whilst net foreign selling was seen in John Keells Holdings (JKH, -Rs. 9,797 million), C T Holdings (CTHR, -Rs. 6,071 million), and Hatton National Bank-Vot (HNB-N, -Rs. 4,131 million).

Average daily turnover increased to Rs. 5,181 million in 2025 (vs. Rs. 2,233 million in 2024), and the year ended with a total market capitalisation of Rs. 8,069 billion.

CT Smith said JKH, HNB-N, Commercial Bank of Ceylon (COMB), and Sampath Bank (SAMP) were the top contributors to total turnover in 2025.