MARKETS

CSE Indices Close Lower as Rs. 2.7 Billion Turnover Concentrates in Key Counters

October 9, 2026

COLOMBO, October 9, 2026 — Sri Lanka’s stock market closed in negative territory as selling pressure on heavyweight counters, including Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka, Dialog Axiata and Carson Cumberbatch, dragged down the benchmark indices, despite market turnover exceeding Rs. 2.7 billion.

The All Share Price Index (ASPI) ended lower, while the S&P SL20 index also recorded a decline, reflecting broad weakness among selected large-cap stocks. Despite the downward market direction, trading activity remained concentrated in several counters, with crossings in Lanka Milk Foods, Sunshine Holdings and Hemas Holdings accounting for 54% of total turnover.

Investor activity was mixed in Commercial Credit & Finance, Sampath Bank and Lanka Milk Foods, while retail interest was observed in LOLC Finance, Ceylon Land & Equity and Co-Operative Insurance Company. Foreign participation remained subdued, with overseas investors ending the session as net sellers.

The Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the largest contributor to market turnover, driven mainly by activity in Lanka Milk Foods and Sunshine Holdings. However, the sector index fell 1.41%. Lanka Milk Foods declined by Rs. 0.10, or 0.12%, to close at Rs. 83.00, while Sunshine Holdings lost Rs. 0.30, or 1.06%, to end at Rs. 28.00.

The Capital Goods sector ranked as the second-largest contributor to turnover, largely due to trading in Hayleys. The sector index declined 0.88%, although Hayleys gained Rs. 0.50, or 0.22%, to close at Rs. 223.00, demonstrating divergent price movements within the sector.

Commercial Credit & Finance and Sampath Bank were also among the leading contributors to turnover. Commercial Credit & Finance fell Rs. 1.60, or 1.69%, to Rs. 93.30, while Sampath Bank declined Rs. 0.75, or 0.54%, to close at Rs. 139.25.

The session highlighted a market characterised by substantial turnover but continued downward pressure on the indices. With foreign investors remaining net sellers and activity concentrated in selected counters, the direction of heavyweight stocks and the strength of broader investor participation will remain important indicators of near-term market sentiment.