Colombo, Sri Lanka – 25 September 2026 – The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) concluded Friday’s trading session with a slight decline in its key indices, reflecting a cautious investor sentiment. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) registered a marginal dip, closing at 21,037.35 points, while the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index (S&P SL20) also saw a minor decrease, as detailed in the latest daily report from the CSE.
Market Performance Overview
On September 25, 2026, the ASPI declined by 29.54 points, a -0.14% change, settling at 21,037.35. The S&P SL20 followed suit, shedding 2.06 points or -0.03% to close at 5,940.72 points. This modest downturn keeps both indices in negative territory for the year, with the ASPI showing a Year-to-Date (YTD) return of -7.01% and the S&P SL20 at -3.52%.
- All Share Price Index (ASPI): 21,037.35 (▼ -29.54 points, -0.14%)
- S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index (S&P SL20): 5,940.72 (▼ -2.06 points, -0.03%)
- Total Return on All Share (ASTRI): 33,136.40
- Total Return on S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index: 12,616.79
- Month-to-Date (MTD) Return (ASPI): -1.41%
- Year-to-Date (YTD) Return (ASPI): -7.01%
Turnover and Investor Activity
The day’s equity turnover reached Rs. 814,875,244.25, contributing to a total market capitalization of Rs. 7,624,859,038,574.95. Foreign investors continued to be net sellers, with foreign sales significantly outweighing foreign purchases, resulting in a net foreign outflow of Rs. 193,330,885.15 for the day.
- Total Equity Turnover: Rs. 814,875,244.25
- Market Capitalization: Rs. 7,624,859,038,574.95
- Domestic Purchases (Equity): Rs. 801,156,055.20
- Foreign Purchases (Equity): Rs. 13,719,189.05
- Domestic Sales (Equity): Rs. 607,825,170.05
- Foreign Sales (Equity): Rs. 207,050,074.20
- Net Foreign Flow: -Rs. 193,330,885.15
- Number of Trades: 10,686 (Equity), 12 (Funds)
Market Multiples and Trading Statistics
The market’s valuation metrics remained stable. The Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio stood at 10.89x, Price-to-Book Value (P/BV) at 1.26x, and Dividend Yield (DY) at 3.15%. Out of 289 listed companies, 265 were actively traded today, indicating broad market participation despite the overall dip.
Top Performers and Laggards
CARS.N (Carson Cumberbatch PLC) was the top positive contributor to the ASPI, adding 24.55 points, while DIAL.N (Dialog Axiata PLC) was the biggest drag, deducting 9.72 points. Among individual stocks, Industrial Asphalts (Ceylon) PLC (ASPH.N0000) led the gainers with a 16.67% increase, followed by S M B Finance PLC (SEMB.N0000) at 10.00%. Pegasus Hotels PLC (PEG.N0000) was the top loser, declining by -6.70%, with Keells Food Products PLC (KFP.N0000) close behind at -5.89%.
Top 10 Gainers:
- INDUSTRIAL ASPH. (ASPH.N0000): +16.67%
- S M B FINANCE (SEMB.N0000): +10.00%
- BANSEI RESORTS (BRR.N0000): +8.33%
- MERC. SHIPPING (MSL.N0000): +5.53%
- UB FINANCE (UBF-N-0000): +5.00%
- HUNAS HOLDINGS (HUNA.N0000): +4.83%
- JOHN KEELLS (JKL.N0000): +4.64%
- MAHAWELI REACH (MRH.N0000): +4.35%
- SERENDIB HOTELS (SHOT.N0000): +4.00%
- UDAPUSSELLAWA (UDPL.N0000): +3.07%
Top 10 Losers:
- PEGASUS HOTELS (PEG.N0000): -6.70%
- KEELLS FOOD (KFP.N0000): -5.89%
- EX-PACK (PACK-N-0000): -4.63%
- HVA FOODS (HVA.N0000): -4.44%
- ROYAL PALMS (RPBH.N0000): -4.04%
- TRANS ASIA (TRAN.N0000): -4.00%
- LANKEM DEV. (LDEV.N0000): -3.95%
- MYLAND (MDL-N-0000): -3.57%
- FORTRESS RESORTS (RHTL.N0000): -3.57%
- FORT LAND (CFLB.N0000): -3.27%
Sectoral Performance
The GICS Industry Group data indicates varied performance across sectors. Telecommunication Services remains the strongest sector YTD with a remarkable 49% return, followed by Commercial & Professional Services (26%) and Real Estate Management & Development (19%). This highlights resilience and growth pockets within the broader market challenges.
Corporate Announcements and Economic Indicators
Corporate activity remained vibrant on September 25th, with several companies holding Annual General Meetings (AGMs) including ABANS ELECTRICALS PLC, Agarapatana Plantations PLC, ASIRI SURGICAL HOSPITAL PLC, ASIRI HOSPITAL HOLDINGS PLC, and many more. Additionally, Extraordinary General Meetings (EGMs) were scheduled for early October by companies like Agarapatana Plantations PLC, DIALOG AXIATA PLC, and KERNER HAUS GLOBAL SOLUTIONS PLC, signaling ongoing strategic developments. Several companies also announced cash dividends and scrip dividends, indicating value returns to shareholders.
From an economic perspective, the indicative exchange rate stood at LKR 330.35 against the USD. Consumer Price Inflation (CCPI) was reported at 7.20%, while NCPI was 5.10%. The Central Bank’s Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) was 8.75%, with Treasury Bill rates at 10.21% for both annual and quarterly durations. Brent Crude Oil price was at $106.60, reflecting global commodity trends.
Global Market Context
Globally, Frontier Markets in APAC showed mixed results, with Bangladesh’s DSE Broad index down -0.3% but up 14.7% YTD. Sri Lanka’s CSE All-Share was down -0.1% for the day and -7.0% YTD. Developed markets such as Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged +1.4% (YTD +32.0%), while South Korea’s KOSPI led Emerging Markets with a +0.9% daily return and an impressive 68.0% YTD return. Geopolitical developments included renewed US-Iran talks on the Strait of Hormuz amid blockade tensions, and a high-profile summit between President Trump and President Xi Jinping at the White House, focusing on AI rivalry and trade relations, as reported by Bloomberg.
The CSE’s performance today underscores a period of continued consolidation, with specific sectors and corporate actions drawing investor attention amidst broader economic and global influences. Investors are advised to conduct thorough due diligence and consult financial professionals before making investment decisions.
Source: Colombo Stock Exchange Daily Report (25 September 2026)
