CSE rebounds as buying interest improves
The Colombo Stock Exchange returned to positive territory on 1 October 2026, with both benchmark indices closing higher as buying interest improved through most of the session.The ASPI gained 67.97 points, or 0.33%, to close at 20,880.90, while the S&P SL20 advanced 7.49 points, or 0.13%, to 5,901.65. The ASPI remained above the previous close throughout the session and moved beyond 20,920 intraday before late selling moderated the gains.Market turnover stood at LKR 1.43 billion, with 65.39 million shares traded. The Banks sector led activity with LKR 489.34 million in turnover, while Sampath Bank recorded the highest individual counter turnover at LKR 352.29 million.
Crossings accounted for a sizeable 43% of total turnover, led by Sampath Bank with approximately LKR 210.42 million, followed by Access Engineering at LKR 159.19 million and Lanka IOC at LKR 129.00 million. Other notable blocks were recorded in Hatton National Bank, John Keells Holdings, Hayleys and Richard Pieris.Market breadth remained marginally positive, with 101 gainers against 94 decliners, producing an advance-decline ratio of 1.07. Foreign investors, however, remained net sellers with an outflow of approximately LKR 94.21 million.Dialog Axiata was the strongest positive contributor to the ASPI, followed by Singer Industries, Lion Brewery, Carson Cumberbatch and LOLC Holdings. LOLC Finance was the largest negative contributor, followed by Bukit Darah, CIC Holdings, Lion Brewery and LAMB.N.
The positive close and improved breadth point to a modest recovery in sentiment, although the high share of crossing activity, relatively subdued turnover and continued foreign selling suggest broader market conviction remains limited. Investors are likely to focus on whether the ASPI can build on today’s recovery and move back above the 20,900 to 21,000 area in the next few sessions.
