Colombo, Sri Lanka – September 17, 2026 – The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) concluded trading today with both benchmark indices registering declines, reflecting a day of cautious investor sentiment. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) fell by 0.52%, while the S&P Sri Lanka 20 (S&P SL20) also experienced a dip. Despite the downward movement in indices, total turnover remained robust, surpassing Rs. 1.3 billion.
Market Performance Overview
The All Share Price Index (ASPI) ended the day at 21,023.43 points, down 109.98 points (-0.52%) from its previous close. This marks a month-to-date (MTD) decline of -1.48% and a year-to-date (YTD) decrease of -7.08%.
The more liquid S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index (S&P SL20) also recorded a downturn, closing at 5,924.96 points, a drop of 22.33 points (-0.38%). Its MTD and YTD returns stood at -1.41% and -3.77% respectively.
Turnover and Investor Activity
Total market turnover for the day reached Rs. 1,334,377,674.90 in equity and Rs. 151,134.10 in funds, highlighting continued trading activity. The total market capitalization stood at Rs. 7,623,601,864,740.25.
Foreign investors demonstrated a net outflow for the day, with foreign sales amounting to Rs. 242,524,848.50 against foreign purchases of Rs. 29,444,440.10, resulting in a net foreign outflow of Rs. 213,080,408.40. Domestic investors largely drove the day’s trading, with domestic purchases at Rs. 1,304,933,234.80 and domestic sales at Rs. 1,091,852,826.40.
The total volume of turnover recorded 55,411,241 shares and 15,808 fund units across 13,854 trades.
Top Movers and Market Contributors
Leading the positive contributors to the ASPI were John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH.N), Sembanjawan Tea Group (SEMB.X), and Commercial Credit and Finance PLC (CFIN.N). Conversely, Melstacorp PLC (MELS.N), Dialog Axiata PLC (DIAL.N), and Hayleys PLC (HAYL.N) were among the largest negative contributors, pulling the index down.
Among the top gainers by percentage were TESS AGRO (7.14%), Lanka Ventures PLC (5.73%), Gestetner of Ceylon PLC (4.98%), EML Consultants PLC (4.88%), and UB Finance Company PLC (4.76%).
The top losers included Softlogic Finance PLC (-8.16%), Colombo Land & Development Company PLC (-7.29%), Laugfs Gas PLC (-6.97%), Tal Lanka Hotels PLC (-6.35%), and Bansei Resorts PLC (-5.22%).
Sectoral Performance
In terms of sectoral contribution to market capitalization, Food Beverage & Tobacco, Capital Goods, and Banks remained the largest sectors. The highest turnover by value came from the Capital Goods sector, followed closely by Food Beverage & Tobacco and Banks.
Year-to-date, sectors such as Telecommunication Services (45%), Commercial & Professional Services (32%), and Real Estate Management & Development (20%) showed strong returns, while Health Care Equipment & Services and Transportation also posted positive YTD figures.
Key Corporate Announcements
The day also saw several corporate announcements. Noteworthy Right Issues were announced by companies including Ambeon Capital PLC, Beruwala Resorts PLC, Kerner Haus Global Solutions PLC, and Nations Trust Bank PLC. Pegasus Hotels of Ceylon PLC announced a sub-division of shares.
Several companies, including Ceylon Land & Equity PLC and Maharaja Foods PLC, declared Scrip Dividends. A long list of companies, such as Mahaweli Coconut Plantations PLC, Kelani Tyres PLC, and Commercial Credit and Finance PLC, announced Cash Dividends to their shareholders.
Economic Snapshot and Global Context
Key economic indicators for Sri Lanka showed the Consumer Price Inflation (CCPI) at 7.20% and National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) at 5.10%. The daily indicative exchange rate stood at Rs. 330.17 against the US Dollar. Treasury Bill rates for both annual and quarter terms were at 10.21%, while the Official Policy Rate (OPR) was 8.75%. Brent Crude Oil was priced at $105.83, and Gold traded at $1,533,971.00 per ounce.
Globally, Asian markets presented a mixed picture, with Taiwan and South Korea posting strong YTD returns. The US Federal Reserve’s recent hawkish interest rate hike impacted global currencies, notably pushing the Japanese Yen down by approximately 1% against the dollar. Geopolitical tensions also made headlines, with President Trump threatening tariffs on the EU over Canada’s associate status.
The CSE’s performance today reflects ongoing cautious trading amidst a backdrop of fluctuating global markets and specific corporate activities.
Source: Read original document
