Sri Lanka stocks marginally higher at midday

The Colombo Stock Exchange reversed its recent positive momentum on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, with both benchmark indices closing lower amid broad-based selling pressure.

The All Share Price Index declined by 81.43 points, or 0.38%, to close at 21,542.23, while the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index fell by 12.02 points, or 0.20%, to end the session at 6,054.52.

The ASPI opened around the 21,650 level and briefly strengthened during early trading before sustained selling pressure pushed the index sharply lower towards the 21,530 level by midday. The market remained largely range-bound through the afternoon, while a modest recovery attempt failed to hold towards the close.

Total market turnover stood at LKR 1.47 billion, with approximately 68.14 million shares changing hands during the session.

The Insurance sector dominated market activity, generating approximately LKR 335.59 million in turnover from 14.61 million shares. ATL.N accounted for the majority of sector activity, recording approximately LKR 310.92 million in turnover.

Crossing transactions contributed approximately LKR 346.50 million, representing around 24% of total equity turnover. The largest crossing was recorded in ATL.N, where 12.00 million shares changed hands at LKR 24.00, generating LKR 288.00 million. John Keells Holdings also recorded a crossing worth LKR 58.50 million involving 3.00 million shares at LKR 19.50.

Foreign investor activity provided some support to the session, with foreign investors turning net buyers and recording a net foreign inflow of LKR 13.56 million.

Market breadth, however, remained firmly negative, with 87 securities advancing against 134 decliners, resulting in an advance-to-decline ratio of 0.65. The weak breadth indicated that selling pressure extended across a broad range of counters.

Hatton National Bank was the strongest positive contributor to the ASPI, adding 4.94 points to the index. Cargills, SMB Finance non-voting, Access Engineering and Richard Pieris also provided support.

Ceylinco Insurance recorded the largest negative contribution, reducing the ASPI by 33.66 points. Lion Brewery, Carson Cumberbatch, Sampath Bank and John Keells Holdings also weighed on the index.

Among notable trades, ATL.N recorded the highest individual counter turnover at approximately LKR 310.92 million, followed by John Keells Holdings with LKR 87.68 million and Haycarb with approximately LKR 53.68 million.

Overall, the session reflected a clear weakening in short-term market sentiment, with losses in both benchmark indices accompanied by negative market breadth. Although foreign investors returned to the buying side, the modest inflow was insufficient to offset broader selling pressure across the market.

Source: Daily Mirror