MARKETS

CSE Closes Higher as Dialog Axiata, Distilleries Lead Gains; Weekly Indices Remain Lower

October 17, 2026

COLOMBO, October 17, 2026 — Sri Lanka’s stock market ended the week on a positive note, with gains in counters such as Dialog Axiata, Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka and Ceylon Cold Stores lifting both benchmark indices into positive territory for the session. Market turnover exceeded Rs. 1.1 billion, although foreign investors remained net sellers.

The All Share Price Index (ASPI) and the S&P SL20 both closed higher, supported by price gains in selected counters.

High-net-worth and institutional investor participation was observed in CIC Holdings, Seylan Bank and Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka. Mixed investor interest was recorded in CIC Holdings non-voting shares, Commercial Bank and Hayleys, while retail activity was noted in SMB Leasing non-voting shares, Softlogic Finance and Waskaduwa Beach Resort.

Despite the session’s positive performance, foreign participation remained subdued, with overseas investors ending the day as net sellers.

Weekly Market Performance Remains Negative

For the week, the ASPI declined 0.6%, while the S&P SL20 fell 0.9%. The market recorded an average daily turnover of Rs. 1.38 billion, reflecting continued trading activity despite the weekly decline in the benchmark indices.

Materials Sector Leads Turnover

The Materials sector was the largest contributor to market turnover, driven by activity in CIC Holdings non-voting shares and CIC Holdings. The sector index gained 1.49%.

CIC Holdings non-voting shares closed unchanged at Rs. 22.10, while CIC Holdings shares advanced Rs. 0.30, or 1.15%, to close at Rs. 26.40.

Banking Sector Records Gains

The Banking sector was the second-largest contributor to market turnover, supported by trading in Commercial Bank and Seylan Bank. The sector index increased by 0.71%.

Commercial Bank shares closed unchanged at Rs. 198.00, while Seylan Bank shares declined Rs. 0.50, or 0.57%, to close at Rs. 87.30.

Hayleys was also among the leading contributors to market turnover. Its share price edged down Rs. 0.25, or 0.11%, to close at Rs. 221.75.

Overall, the market’s session-end gains provided a positive finish to the week, but the declines in both benchmark indices over the full trading week indicate that the latest advance was not sufficient to reverse the broader weekly losses.