CSE Indices End Lower as Investor Activity Remains Moderate

Sri Lanka’s stock market ended the session in negative territory, with the ASPI weighed down by price declines in counters including Hayleys, Central Finance Company and LOLC Holdings. Market turnover exceeded Rs. 972 million, while the S&P SL20 also recorded a decline.

High-net-worth and institutional investors showed notable interest in Diesel & Motor Engineering, Access Engineering and Sarvodaya Development Finance. Meanwhile, Sampath Bank, Royal Ceramics and Overseas Realty attracted mixed investor interest. Retail activity was evident in Lanka Credit and Business Finance, LOLC Finance and Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka & Finance.

Foreign investor participation remained relatively subdued, with overseas investors ending the session as net sellers.

The Capital Goods sector emerged as the largest contributor to market turnover, supported by trading activity in Access Engineering, John Keells Holdings and Royal Ceramics. However, the sector index declined by 0.20%. Access Engineering ended unchanged at Rs. 79.90, while John Keells Holdings closed flat at Rs. 19.50. Royal Ceramics also remained unchanged at Rs. 49.10.

The Diversified Financials sector ranked as the second-largest contributor to turnover, although its sector index fell by 0.64%.

Diesel & Motor Engineering and Sampath Bank were also among the leading contributors to turnover. Diesel & Motor Engineering closed unchanged at Rs. 1,449.75, while Sampath Bank declined by Rs. 0.25, or 0.18%, to close at Rs. 139.00.