The Colombo Stock Exchange returned to positive territory on Friday, 28 August 2026, with both benchmark indices closing marginally higher following a volatile trading session and a return of foreign buying.

The All Share Price Index gained 36.26 points, or 0.17%, to close at 21,315.91, while the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index advanced by 10.53 points, or 0.18%, to end the session at 6,005.34.The ASPI opened around the 21,320 level and climbed sharply during early trading before giving up most of its gains as selling pressure emerged towards midday. The index briefly moved close to the 21,300 level before recovering during the afternoon and finishing the session in positive territory.Total market turnover reached LKR 2.20 billion, with approximately 66.46 million shares changing hands during the day.The Utilities sector dominated market activity, generating approximately LKR 501.90 million in turnover from 13.37 million shares. WindForce accounted for the majority of sector activity, recording approximately LKR 494.85 million in turnover.

Crossing transactions contributed approximately LKR 160.31 million, representing around 7% of total equity turnover. The largest crossing was recorded in Softlogic Capital, where 6.67 million shares changed hands at LKR 11.00, generating approximately LKR 73.34 million. Hatton National Bank and John Keells Holdings also recorded crossings valued at LKR 66.88 million and LKR 20.09 million, respectively.Foreign investor activity provided additional support to the session, with foreign investors turning net buyers and recording a net foreign inflow of LKR 25.99 million.Market breadth remained marginally positive, with 108 securities advancing against 102 decliners, resulting in an advance-to-decline ratio of 1.06. This reflected relatively balanced market participation despite gains in both benchmark indices.

Cargills was the strongest positive contributor to the ASPI, adding 13.31 points to the index. Hayleys, Nations Trust Bank, Haycarb and Commercial Bank also supported the market’s advance.Sampath Bank recorded the largest negative contribution, reducing the ASPI by 13.75 points. Lion Brewery, John Keells Holdings, Citizens Development Business Finance and Seylan Bank also weighed on the index.Among notable trades, WindForce recorded the highest individual counter turnover at approximately LKR 494.85 million, followed by PickMe with LKR 258.37 million and Sierra Cables with LKR 245.95 million.Overall, the session reflected a modest improvement in sentiment following recent market weakness. The return of foreign buying and positive market breadth provided support, although the limited index gains and volatile intraday movement suggested that investors remained selective heading into the next trading week.