Colombo, Sri Lanka – 24 September 2026 – The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) experienced a largely subdued trading day on Thursday, 24 September 2026, with key indices recording marginal declines. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) saw a slight dip of 0.09%, while the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index (S&P SL20) followed suit with a 0.08% decrease, reflecting a cautious market sentiment influenced by both local and international economic dynamics.
Index Performance Overview
On September 24, 2026, the ASPI closed at 21,066.89, falling by 18.26 points. The S&P SL20 Index concluded the day at 5,942.78, down by 4.72 points. This minimal movement indicates a market hovering near its previous closing levels, with investors exercising prudence. Year-to-date, both indices continue to show negative returns, with the ASPI down 6.88% and the S&P SL20 down 3.49%.
The Total Return Index (TRI) on the All Share stood at 33,182.48, marginally lower than the previous day’s 33,210.55. Similarly, the TRI on the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index recorded 12,621.17, a slight decrease from 12,631.19.
Market Turnover and Capitalization
Total turnover for the day reached Rs. 1,309,172,016.50, driven entirely by equity transactions, as no debt market activity was recorded. The market capitalization stood at Rs. 7,632,858,868,915.70, reflecting a daily change of -0.19% from the previous trading day.
Domestic investors dominated trading activity, with purchases totaling Rs. 1,265,507,937.30 and sales amounting to Rs. 1,103,126,040.25. Foreign investors, however, remained net sellers, recording purchases of Rs. 43,664,079.20 against sales of Rs. 206,045,976.25, resulting in a net foreign outflow of Rs. 162,381,897.05 for the day.
The total volume of shares traded was 46,283,746, while the number of trades amounted to 10,860. Year-to-date, the average daily turnover has been Rs. 3.73 billion, with an average daily share volume of 144.45 million and 27.92 thousand trades.
Key Market Multiples
The market’s Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio was 10.90x, with a Price-to-Book Value (P/BV) of 1.26x. The Dividend Yield (DY) stood at 3.15%, providing insights into valuation metrics for discerning investors.
ASPI Contributors and Top Movers
Several companies made notable contributions to the ASPI’s performance. Positive contributors included CARSONS (CARS.N) and COMMERCIAL BANK (COMB.N), while DIALOG (DIAL.N) and CEYLON INSURANCE (CINS.N) were among the negative contributors, reflecting varied performances across the listed entities.
Top gainers for the day featured TAL LANKA (TAJ.N0000) with a 12.13% increase, followed by LOLC GENERAL INS (LGIL-N-0000) rising by 7.46%. Conversely, BANSEI RESORTS (BRR.N0000) saw the sharpest decline of 11.93%, and CEYLON BEVERAGE (BREW.N0000) dropped by 10.26%.
Sectoral Performance Highlights
In terms of year-to-date performance, the Telecommunication Services sector has been the standout, delivering a robust 49% return. Commercial & Professional Services followed with 27%, and Real Estate Management & Development showed a healthy 20% return. These sectors highlight areas of significant growth amidst overall market fluctuations.
Economic Backdrop
The broader economic environment continues to be shaped by a mix of local and global factors. The Consumer Price Inflation (CCPI) stood at 7.20%, while the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) was at 5.10%. The Brent crude oil price hovered near $103.08 a barrel, reflecting ongoing global supply and geopolitical concerns.
Globally, US Treasury yields surged to two-decade highs, impacted by strong manufacturing data and expectations of further Federal Reserve tightening. Geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, along with extended US-China trade truces, remain key influences on international markets.
Corporate Announcements
The CSE also saw a series of corporate announcements today. Several companies initiated rights issues, including AMBEON CAPITAL PLC and BERUWALA RESORTS PLC, aiming to raise capital. Notable cash dividends were announced by MAHAWELI COCONUT PLANTATIONS PLC (Rs. 3.00 per share) and LAKE HOUSE PRINTERS AND PUBLISHERS PLC (Rs. 4.00 per share), among others. Annual General Meetings (AGMs) were held by various companies, including ASIA ASSET FINANCE PLC and LOLC HOLDINGS PLC, while others have AGMs scheduled for the coming days.
Overall, the Colombo Stock Exchange on September 24, 2026, painted a picture of a market grappling with minor adjustments, closely watching global cues, and continuing to host a range of corporate activities.
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