Colombo, Sri Lanka – September 25, 2026 – The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) concluded the week with a mixed performance, reflecting cautious investor sentiment amidst moderating trading activity. While the All Share Price Index (ASPI) registered a slight decline, the S&P SL20 Index showed a marginal gain. Overall market turnover decreased significantly compared to the previous week, indicating a quieter trading environment.
Key Market Indicators Reflect Nuanced Activity
The benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) closed the week at 21,037.35 points, a minor dip from the previous week’s 21,056.26 points. In contrast, the more liquid S&P SL20 Index demonstrated resilience, posting a slight increase to 5,940.72 points from 5,928.89 points. This divergence suggests that while broader market sentiment saw a minor contraction, larger, more established companies within the S&P SL20 maintained positive momentum.
Market capitalization for the week stood at LKR 7,624,859,038,575, a decrease from LKR 7,642,247,442,162 recorded in the prior week.
Total turnover for the week amounted to LKR 5,461,120,491, a notable reduction from the LKR 8,070,110,601 recorded last week. Equity constituted the entirety of this turnover. Domestic purchases dominated, totaling LKR 5,334,728,192, while foreign purchases were LKR 126,392,299. Foreign sales, however, outpaced purchases at LKR 527,710,061, resulting in a net foreign outflow for the period.
Sectoral Shifts and Standout Performers
An analysis of sectoral performance reveals varied trends across different industry groups:
- Transportation emerged as the top-gaining sector, showcasing robust growth.
- Other sectors that registered gains included Banks, Capital Goods, Food & Staples Retailing, and Utilities.
- Sectors experiencing declines included Commercial & Professional Services, Consumer Durables & Apparel, Diversified Financials, Energy, and Food Beverage & Tobacco.
Top 5 Gainers of the Week:
- INDUSTRIAL ASPH.: +16.67% (from LKR 0.60 to LKR 0.70)
- MERCHANT BANK [P]: +7.61% (from LKR 9.20 to LKR 9.90)
- HUNAS HOLDINGS: +7.04% (from LKR 14.20 to LKR 15.20)
- TAL LANKA: +6.07% (from LKR 28.00 to LKR 29.70)
- DIPPED PRODUCTS: +5.53% (from LKR 57.90 to LKR 61.10)
Top 5 Losers of the Week:
- PEGASUS HOTELS: -51.34% (from LKR 37.20 to LKR 18.10)
- SOFTLOGIC FIN: -11.36% (from LKR 4.40 to LKR 3.90)
- CEYLON BEVERAGE: -10.26% (from LKR 2,800.00 to LKR 2,512.75)
- GESTETNER: -10.09% (from LKR 337.00 to LKR 303.00)
- MARAWILA RESORTS: -9.43% (from LKR 5.30 to LKR 4.80)
Year-to-Date Performance and Debt Market Overview
Looking at the year-to-date performance, both key indices remain in negative territory. The ASPI has seen a decline of 7.01% from its year-open, while the S&P SL 20 Index is down by 3.52% for the year.
The Corporate Debt market recorded no turnover this week, a significant drop from LKR 531,740 in the previous week, indicating a complete halt in secondary market trading for corporate debentures during this period.
The week’s trading on the CSE reflected a period of consolidation and specific stock movements rather than broad market trends. Investors will keenly watch for upcoming economic indicators and corporate earnings to gauge future market direction.
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