Colombo, Sri Lanka – 02 September 2026 – The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) experienced a day of mixed performance on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, as the All Share Price Index (ASPI) registered a marginal gain, while the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index (S&P SL20) saw a slight decline. Trading was active, with significant turnover driven by both domestic and foreign investors, although a net foreign outflow was observed.
Index Performance Overview
The bellwether ASPI closed the day at 21,325.64, reflecting a modest increase of 7.33 points, or 0.03%. This upward movement marks a slight recovery from its previous close of 21,318.31. Year-to-date, however, the ASPI remains in negative territory with a return of -5.74%, highlighting the challenges faced by the broader market throughout 2026. The index’s highest point this year was 23,992.11, while its lowest touched 20,264.01.
Conversely, the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index, which tracks the performance of the 20 largest and most liquid stocks, dipped to 5,983.50. This represents a decrease of 2.95 points, or 0.05%, from its previous close of 5,986.45. The S&P SL20 also recorded a year-to-date negative return of -2.82%, having reached a YTD high of 6,750.50 and a low of 5,651.41.
Market Turnover and Investor Activity
Total turnover for the day reached a robust Rs. 1.28 billion (Rs. 1,275,963,729.15), underscoring active participation from market players. The overall market capitalization stood at an impressive Rs. 7.71 trillion (Rs. 7,706,345,799,259.75).
Domestic investors were prominent, accounting for the majority of transactions:
- Domestic Purchases: Rs. 1,253,553,169.30
- Domestic Sales: Rs. 1,246,322,609.60
Foreign investor activity showed a net outflow for the day, with foreign sales exceeding purchases:
- Foreign Purchases: Rs. 22,410,559.85
- Foreign Sales: Rs. 29,641,119.55
- Net Foreign Flow: -Rs. 7,230,559.70
A total of 50,911,203 shares were traded across 16,212 transactions, involving 265 listed companies. The market currently has 289 listed companies in total.
Key Market Contributors and Movers
The positive movement in the ASPI was significantly bolstered by select counters, with Ceylinco Holdings (CINS.N) contributing an notable 41.92 points. Other significant positive contributors included Hayleys PLC (HAYC.N), Dipped Products PLC (DIPD.N), National Development Bank PLC (NDB.N), and Aitken Spence PLC (AEL.N).
Conversely, the decline in the S&P SL20 and a dampening effect on the ASPI were primarily due to selling pressure on heavyweight stocks such as John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH.N), which negatively impacted the ASPI by -22.14 points, followed by Browns Investments PLC (BIL.N) and Lion Brewery Ceylon PLC (BREW.N).
Top gainers for the day by percentage change were:
- Industrial Asphalts PLC (ASPH.N0000): +20.00%
- Renuka Foods PLC (COCO.X0000): +10.23%
- Ceylinco Holdings PLC (CINS.N0000): +9.12%
Leading the list of losers by percentage change were:
- Browns Investments PLC (BIL.N0000): -7.02%
- Ramboda Falls PLC (RFL.N0000): -6.61%
- Amana Life PLC (ATLL-N-0000): -6.22%
Sectoral Performance Highlights
An analysis of GICS Industry Group statistics revealed diverse performances. Leading the market capitalization contributors were Dialog Axiata PLC (Rs. 424.1 Bn), John Keells Holdings PLC (Rs. 345.9 Bn), and Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (Rs. 336.4 Bn). In terms of turnover, Sampath Bank PLC recorded the highest value at Rs. 106.16 billion.
Year-to-date, the top-performing sectors highlight areas of significant growth despite overall market headwinds:
- Telecommunication Services: +47%
- Commercial & Professional Services: +36%
- Real Estate Management & Development: +21%
Corporate Announcements
Several corporate announcements were made today, providing investors with key insights into company-specific developments:
- Cash Dividends: Notable declarations included Kelani Tyres PLC (Rs. 6.50 per share), Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (Rs. 41.00 per share), Dialog Axiata PLC (Rs. 0.70 per share), and Commercial Credit and Finance PLC (Rs. 7.00 per share). Many other companies also announced cash dividends with varying Ex-Dividend and payment dates in September and October.
- Sub Division of Shares: Pegasus Hotels of Ceylon PLC announced a share sub-division effective September 11, 2026.
- Annual General Meetings (AGM) and Extraordinary General Meetings (EGM): A flurry of AGMs and EGMs are scheduled for late September, with companies like Abans Electricals PLC, ACL Cables PLC, and Softlogic Holdings PLC holding virtual or physical meetings.
- Director Retirements and Board Changes: Sampath Bank PLC saw a director retirement effective September 1, 2026. Additionally, CBC Finance PLC, National Development Bank PLC, and Sampath Bank PLC disclosed reconstitutions and changes to their Board Sub-committees.
The CSE’s performance on September 2, 2026, points to a market characterized by selective gains and active trading volumes, set against a backdrop of ongoing corporate restructuring and dividend payouts.
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