The Colombo Stock Exchange extended its decline for a second consecutive session on Wednesday, with both benchmark indices closing lower amid continued selling across the broader market.
The All Share Price Index fell 62.50 points, or 0.29%, to close at 21,416.57. The S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index lost 20.52 points, or 0.34%, ending at 6,020.38.
The ASPI opened near 21,500 and gave ground through the day. Selling intensified in the afternoon, pushing the index below 21,450 before it settled at 21,416.57. The SL20 followed a similar path despite a brief midday recovery.
The fall follows Tuesday’s sharper drop, when the ASPI shed 137.81 points.
Turnover concentrated in crossings
Total turnover reached Rs. 1.54 billion on roughly 43.88 million shares.
The Food, Beverage and Tobacco sector led activity with Rs. 461.58 million in turnover from about 12.92 million shares. Crossings accounted for around Rs. 515.07 million, or roughly a third of equity turnover. The largest was in Seylan Bank, where 2.00 million shares changed hands at Rs. 98.80 for Rs. 197.60 million.
By counter, Sunshine Holdings recorded the highest turnover at Rs. 220.61 million, followed by Seylan Bank at Rs. 200.22 million and Dialog Axiata at Rs. 163.07 million.
Breadth stays negative despite foreign buying
Foreign investors turned net buyers, recording a net inflow of Rs. 103.20 million — a contrast to the weaker index performance.
Market breadth remained negative nonetheless, with 72 securities advancing against 128 declining, an advance-to-decline ratio of 0.56.
C T Holdings was the strongest positive contributor to the ASPI, adding 10.48 points, with Melstacorp, Richard Pieris, SMB Finance non-voting and Hayleys also lending support. Sampath Bank weighed most heavily on the index, subtracting 17.68 points, alongside Lion Brewery, Central Finance, Bukit Darah and Dialog Axiata.
