Colombo, Sri Lanka – 28 August 2026 – The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) concluded the trading week on Friday, August 28, 2026, with mixed sentiments as both benchmark indices registered marginal declines, even as total market turnover saw a significant week-on-week increase. The latest weekly report from the CSE provides a comprehensive overview of the market’s performance, highlighting key trends in equity and debt markets.
Market Indices Reflect Modest Retreat
For the week ending August 28, 2026, the All Share Price Index (ASPI) closed at 21,315.91 points, marking a slight dip from the previous week’s close of 21,416.61 points. Similarly, the S&P SL 20 Index, which tracks the twenty largest and most liquid stocks, eased to 6,005.34 points from 6,028.09 points recorded a week prior. This marginal contraction in indices comes despite a notable uptick in trading activity.
Turnover Surges, Foreign Investors Remain Net Sellers
A striking feature of the past week’s trading was the substantial increase in total turnover, which more than doubled to Rs. 19,852,706,103, significantly up from Rs. 8,188,998,400 in the preceding week. This robust turnover was primarily driven by equity trading, which accounted for the entirety of the figure. Domestic purchases contributed Rs. 18,894,203,329, while foreign purchases stood at Rs. 958,502,775.
However, foreign investors remained net sellers for the week, offloading shares worth Rs. 1,846,553,310. This resulted in a net foreign outflow of approximately Rs. 888 million, indicating continued caution from international participants.
Sectoral Performance: Mixed Signals Across the Board
An analysis of the GICS Industry Group statistics reveals a varied performance across sectors. The Food & Staples Retailing sector dominated turnover with Rs. 31.7 billion, largely influenced by significant crossings in C T HOLDINGS and CARGILLS. This sector also reported a PER of 16.09 and a DY of 2.59%. The Food Beverage & Tobacco sector also saw substantial activity with nearly Rs. 1 billion in turnover.
In terms of weekly index movements, Capital Goods and Materials showed positive momentum, while Diversified Financials and Consumer Services experienced slight declines.
Top Gainers and Losers of the Week
The week saw a few standout performers and some notable dips:
Top 5 Gainers:
- CABLE SOLUTIONS: Rose by 15.08% to Rs. 14.50.
- INSUREME: Gained 11.24% to Rs. 1,870.00.
- HAYCARB: Increased by 10.35% to Rs. 197.25.
- MAHAWELI COCONUT: Advanced by 9.19% to Rs. 52.30.
- HAYLEYS FIBRE: Climbed by 8.99% to Rs. 172.75.
Top 5 Losers:
- BANSEI RESORTS: Fell by 16.09% to Rs. 19.30.
- C M HOLDINGS: Declined by 11.40% to Rs. 34.20.
- CDB: Dropped by 11.17% to Rs. 35.00.
- HUNAS HOLDINGS: Decreased by 10.13% to Rs. 14.20.
- ON’ALLY: Slid by 9.19% to Rs. 43.50.
Year-to-Date Performance and Debt Market Activity
Year-to-date, both major indices remain in negative territory. The ASPI has seen a (5.78)% change from its year open of 22,624.31, while the S&P SL 20 is down (2.47)% from 6,157.38. This indicates a challenging year so far for the broader market.
In the Corporate Debt Market, a single trade was recorded for the day on August 28, 2026, with a turnover value of Rs. 2,601,415, a significant reduction from the previous day’s Rs. 2,658,262,420. The week’s debt market activity showed various corporate debentures trading with diverse coupon rates and maturities.
The week’s trading suggests a market grappling with underlying pressures, reflected in index declines, even as high turnover figures, potentially driven by block trades and specific stock movements, paint a picture of active trading. Investors will closely watch foreign investor sentiment and key macroeconomic indicators in the coming weeks.
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