CSE Indices Close Lower as Turnover Tops Rs. 1.6 Billion
COLOMBO, October 1, 2026 — Sri Lanka’s stock market closed lower, with both benchmark indices ending in negative territory as price declines in key counters including Dialog Axiata, Commercial Bank and Carson Cumberbatch weighed on the market.
Market turnover crossed Rs. 1.6 billion, indicating a stronger level of activity compared with recent subdued sessions, although foreign investor participation remained limited.
The ASPI edged lower during the session, while the S&P SL20 also recorded a decline, reflecting broad weakness among several large-cap stocks.
High-net-worth and institutional investor activity was recorded in Access Engineering, Softlogic Life Insurance and Lanka Realty Investments. Meanwhile, mixed investor interest was observed in John Keells Holdings, Softlogic Capital and Sampath Bank, while retail participation was evident in LOLC Finance, Industrial Asphalts and Agstar.
Foreign investors remained cautious, ending the session as net sellers.
The Capital Goods sector emerged as the largest contributor to market turnover, driven primarily by activity in Access Engineering and John Keells Holdings. The sector index, however, declined 0.10%.
Access Engineering gained Rs. 1.10, or 1.39%, to close at Rs. 80.00, while John Keells Holdings declined Rs. 0.20, or 1.06%, to Rs. 18.70.
The Banking sector was the second-largest contributor to turnover, with Sampath Bank accounting for a significant portion of activity. The sector index remained unchanged at 0.00%.
Sampath Bank gained Rs. 0.25, or 0.18%, to close at Rs. 140.00.
Softlogic Life Insurance and Softlogic Capital were also among the leading contributors to turnover, recording notable price gains.
Softlogic Life Insurance rose Rs. 2.40, or 3.24%, to Rs. 76.50, while Softlogic Capital advanced Rs. 0.60, or 6.59%, to Rs. 9.70.
The session highlighted a mixed market environment, with selected counters attracting institutional and retail interest despite weakness in several heavyweight stocks. With foreign participation remaining subdued and foreigners ending as net sellers, investor sentiment continues to warrant close monitoring in the sessions ahead.
