Sri Lanka stocks close down 1.4 pct on geopolitical concerns, profit-taking

ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange closed down on Wednesday, CSE data showed, with the benchmark All Share Price Index moving down 1.40 percent.

The ASPI was down 281.42 points at 19,796.06, while the more liquid S&P SL20 was down 0.94 percent, or 53.67 points, at 5,676.43.

Market sentiment was largely weighed down by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and fluctuating oil prices, alongside margin calls, profit-taking, and the day’s Treasury bill auction.

“Things are moving more on sentiment rather than fundamentals these days, mainly with oil price fluctuations and Middle East developments, along with some margin calls and profit-taking,” Shahana, Senior Assistant Manager – Research at First Capital, said.

Positive contributors to the ASPI were Haycarb (up 2.84 percent at 199.50 rupees), Teejay Lanka (up 1.41 percent at 28.70 rupees), Aitken Spence (up 0.57 percent at 133.25 rupees), and Vidullanka (up 0.47 percent at 21.30 rupees).

Carson Cumberbatch (down 4.86 percent at 655.50 rupees), Tokyo Cement Company (down 4.79 percent at 73.50 rupees), Dialog Axiata (down 2.98 percent at 42.30 rupees), Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka (down 2.16 percent at 49.90 rupees), and Commercial Bank of Ceylon (down 0.63 percent at 197.25 rupees) were top negative contributors.

Market turnover was 1.93 billion rupees, roughly 35 percent above the monthly average. Capital goods led turnover with 405.82 million rupees, followed by the banking sector. Crossings were recorded in Dialog Axiata, DIMO, and John Keells Holdings, while foreign investors recorded a net selling of close to 5 million rupees.

Galadari Hotels (Lanka) announced that, following the conclusion of its ongoing refurbishment and pursuant to approval from Radisson Hospitality Belgium BV under the Hotel Management Agreement, the reopening of the hotel as ‘Radisson Blu Hotel Galadari Colombo’ is scheduled during the fourth quarter of 2026. (Colombo/Oct14/2026)