COLOMBO, 25 August 2026 – The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) experienced a subdued trading day on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, as both key indices, the All Share Price Index (ASPI) and the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index (S&P SL20), registered marginal declines. Foreign investors were net sellers, contributing to a cautious market sentiment amidst a mixed global economic backdrop.
Index Performance Overview
The ASPI closed the day at 21,279.65 points, shedding 65.12 points, representing a 0.31% decrease from the previous close of 21,344.77. Similarly, the S&P SL20 Index, which tracks the 20 largest and most liquid stocks, fell by 14.59 points (0.24%) to finish at 5,994.81 points. Year-to-date (YTD) performance for the ASPI stands at a -5.94% return, while the S&P SL20 shows a -2.64% return. The All Share Total Return Index (ASTRI) ended at 33,505.00, and the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Total Return Index concluded at 12,731.65.
Turnover and Market Capitalization
Total market turnover for the day reached an estimated Rs. 796,921,078.35 for equity, contributing to a total market capitalization of Rs. 7,703,785,841,432.45. This reflects a daily change of -0.31% in market capitalization. Domestic investors accounted for the bulk of the day’s activity, with purchases totaling Rs. 740,928,504.00 and sales at Rs. 736,783,854.85. Foreign participation saw purchases of Rs. 55,992,574.35 against sales of Rs. 60,137,223.50, resulting in a net foreign outflow of Rs. 4,144,649.15.
Key Trading Statistics and Foreign Flow
The market recorded a Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio of 11.20x, a Price-to-Book Value (P/BV) ratio of 1.31x, and a Dividend Yield (DY) of 3.02%. Out of 289 listed companies, 254 actively traded shares. Domestic trading dominated the day’s composition, representing 92.7% of purchases and 83.6% of sales, while foreign trading comprised 7.3% of purchases and 16.4% of sales.
Market Movers: Top Gainers and Losers
ASPI’s performance was influenced by a mix of positive and negative contributors. Agarapatana Plantations PLC (AGPL.N0000) emerged as the top gainer, recording a 7.24% increase, followed by LOLC Finance PLC (LOFC.N0000) with a 6.00% gain. On the other hand, Hunas Holdings PLC (HUNA.N0000) experienced the steepest decline, dropping by 7.59%, while CDB PLC (CDB.N0000) also saw a significant fall of 7.04%.
Top 5 Gainers:
- AGARAPATANA (AGPL-N-0000): +7.24%
- LOLC FINANCE (LOFC.N0000): +6.00%
- CABLE SOLUTIONS (CSLK-N-0000): +5.51%
- SIGIRIYA VILLAGE (SIGV.N0000): +4.58%
- RENUKA FOODS (COCO.X0000): +4.19%
Top 5 Losers:
- HUNAS HOLDINGS (HUNA.N0000): -7.59%
- AGSTAR PLC (AGST.X0000): -7.26%
- CDB (CDB.N0000): -7.04%
- MYLAND (MDL-N-0000): -6.25%
- GESTETNER (GEST.N0000): -5.80%
Sectoral Performance
Reviewing the GICS Industry Group statistics, the Telecommunication Services sector continued its strong YTD performance with a 48% return, followed by Commercial & Professional Services at 35% and Real Estate Management & Development at 20%. Other notable YTD performers include Health Care Equipment & Services (8%) and Transportation (7%). On a daily basis, sectors like Banks, Capital Goods, Diversified Financials, and Materials saw significant turnover contributions.
Global Market and Economic Overview
The broader APAC region presented a mixed picture. Developed markets like Japan (Nikkei 225, +1.1%) and Australia (S&P/ASX 200, +0.7%) showed gains, while Hong Kong (Hang Seng) remained flat. Among Emerging Markets, South Korea’s KOSPI led with a 0.7% gain, contributing to a remarkable 60.0% YTD return. However, countries like the Philippines and Indonesia experienced daily declines. Sri Lanka’s ASPI daily return of -0.3% placed it among the declining frontier markets today.
Global news also highlighted ongoing geopolitical and trade tensions. US-Canada trade talks collapsed with President Trump threatening 50% tariffs. The US Treasury warned of an “economic D-Day” against Iran, threatening sanctions on firms buying Iranian oil, particularly targeting China. Separately, the US announced a 7.5% tariff on Chinese imports ahead of the Trump-Xi summit in September, citing overcapacity. These global developments continue to shape investor sentiment worldwide.
Domestically, the Daily Indicative Exchange Rate for USD against LKR stood at a buying rate of 325.11 and a selling rate of 334.23. The Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) recorded 7.20%, while the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) was 4.40%. Lending and deposit rates stood at 10.34% (monthly) and 10.86% (weekly) respectively, with the Treasury Bill Rate at 10.21% (annual). Brent Crude Oil prices were at USD 90.54, reflecting global energy market dynamics.
Corporate Announcements
Today’s corporate announcements included several important updates for investors. Right Issues were announced by companies such as ASIA ASSET FINANCE PLC, proposing four new ordinary voting shares for every eleven existing shares. Pegasus Hotels of Ceylon PLC announced a sub-division of shares effective September 15, 2026. Cash dividends were declared by several companies, including Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (Rs. 41.00 per share with an XD Date of Aug 25, 2026) and Dialog Axiata PLC (Rs. 0.70 per share with an XD Date of Aug 25, 2026). Additionally, various Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and Extraordinary General Meetings (EGMs) were scheduled, indicating ongoing corporate governance activities.
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