CSE Indices Close Higher as Turnover Exceeds Rs. 1.5 Billion
COLOMBO, October 16, 2026 — The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) ended the session on a positive note, with both the All Share Price Index (ASPI) and S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index (S&P SL20) closing in green as price gains in selected heavyweight counters supported market sentiment. Market turnover exceeded Rs. 1.5 billion.
Carson Cumberbatch, Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka and Commercial Bank were among the counters contributing to the ASPI’s advance, while the S&P SL20 recorded a similar upward movement.
High-net-worth and institutional investor participation was evident in Ceylon Tobacco Company, Diesel & Motor Engineering and Sampath Bank. Mixed investor interest was observed in Dialog Axiata, Singer Sri Lanka and John Keells Holdings, while retail activity was noted in Industrial Asphalts, Citrus Leisure and Ceylon Land & Equity.
Foreign participation remained subdued, with foreign investors ending the session as net sellers, indicating continued selling pressure from overseas participants despite the broader market’s positive performance.
The Food, Beverage and Tobacco sector emerged as the largest contributor to market turnover, primarily driven by activity in Ceylon Tobacco Company. The sector index gained 1.03%. However, Ceylon Tobacco Company’s share price edged down by Rs. 1.00, or 0.06%, to close at Rs. 1,778.00.
The Diversified Financials sector was the second-largest contributor to turnover, supported by Commercial Credit & Finance. The sector index advanced by 2.29%, while Commercial Credit & Finance gained Rs. 1.40, or 1.56%, to close at Rs. 91.40.
Dialog Axiata, Singer Sri Lanka and Sampath Bank were also among the leading contributors to market turnover. Dialog Axiata rose by Rs. 0.20, or 0.47%, to close at Rs. 42.50. In contrast, Singer Sri Lanka declined by Rs. 0.80, or 1.11%, to end at Rs. 71.00, while Sampath Bank remained unchanged at Rs. 138.00.
The session reflected a broadly positive market direction, supported by gains in selected heavyweight stocks and sector-level advances. However, subdued foreign participation and net selling by overseas investors remained notable features of trading activity.
