Colombo stocks edge up on muted activity

Thursday, 28 May 2026 06:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo stock market yesterday recovered to close in the green amid subdued investor sentiment after the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) increased policy rates by 100 basis points (bps) the previous session.

Performance was mixed, with 119 counters closing in the green against 104 that ended in the red. The ASPI ended up 0.11% or 24.09 points at 22,199.23, and the S&P SL20 was up 0.21% or 13.08 points at 6,131.34.

Market turnover was over Rs. 1.86 billion on over 61.8 million shares traded. Foreign investors were net buyers on a net inflow of Rs. 0.71 million.

First Capital Research said the bourse witnessed subdued investor participation, resulting in muted trading volumes, as the market collectively reacted to yesterday’s policy rate hike by the CBSL.

Despite the cautious sentiment, early buying interest pushed the ASPI higher during the first half of the session. However, some profit-taking emerged towards the close, which trimmed part of the gains.

DIAL, CCS, BREW, CARS, and NDB were among the top positive contributors to the index. Both retail and HNW investor activity remained below average. The Food, Beverage and Tobacco sector was the topmost contributor to turnover, accounting for 19% of the total, followed by the Materials and Capital Goods sectors with a joint contribution of 30%.

Asia Securities Research said the Food, Beverage and Tobacco, Materials, Capital Goods, and Diversified Financials sectors led activity, collectively accounting for 59.2% of turnover. Net foreign buying topped in VLL at Rs. 75.4 million, while net foreign selling topped in AAIC at Rs. 68.4 million.

Crossings accounted for 14% of turnover led by CICN (Rs. 153.8 million), LMF (Rs. 46 million), and JKH (Rs. 40.2 million). Market Price-to-Earnings (P/E) was 11.43.