CSE Ends Higher as Dialog Axiata, Melstacorp and Hayleys Gain

COLOMBO, September 19, 2026 — The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed higher, supported by price gains in counters including Dialog Axiata, Melstacorp and Hayleys, while market turnover exceeded Rs. 1.3 billion. The S&P SL20 also ended the session in positive territory.

High net worth and institutional investor activity was concentrated in Diesel & Motor Engineering, Singer Sri Lanka and Commercial Bank, while mixed investor interest was seen in Hayleys, Swisstek and Haycarb. Retail participation was evident in HNB Finance, John Keells Hotels and Waskaduwa Beach Resort.

Foreign investor activity remained subdued, with foreigners ending the session as net sellers.

Despite the day’s gains, both benchmark indices recorded weekly declines. The ASPI fell 1.5% over the week, while the S&P SL20 declined 1.2%. Average daily market turnover for the week stood at approximately Rs. 1.53 billion.

The Capital Goods sector was the largest contributor to market turnover, mainly driven by activity in Hayleys. The sector index declined marginally by 0.25%.

Hayleys gained Rs. 2.25, or 1.00%, to close at Rs. 226.25.

The Banking sector was the second-largest contributor to market turnover, with Commercial Bank accounting for a significant portion of activity. The sector index edged up 0.12%.

Commercial Bank advanced Rs. 0.50, or 0.25%, to close at Rs. 203.00.

Among other notable turnover contributors, Singer Sri Lanka ended unchanged at Rs. 79.60, while Swisstek gained Rs. 4.00, or 5.26%, to close at Rs. 80.10.

Diesel & Motor Engineering declined Rs. 1.00, or 0.07%, to end the session at Rs. 1,425.00.

Overall, trading remained focused on selected blue-chip and actively traded counters, while subdued foreign participation continued to weigh on broader market sentiment.