The Colombo Stock Exchange staged a strong recovery on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, as improved buying interest across several large-cap and mid-cap counters lifted both benchmark indices.

The All Share Price Index gained 84.86 points, or 0.40%, to close at 21,166.94, while the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index advanced by 8.15 points, or 0.14%, to end the session at 5,945.09.The ASPI rose sharply during the morning session before giving up part of its intraday gains toward the close. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 remained in positive territory throughout the day, reflecting buying interest in selected heavyweight counters.Total market turnover increased significantly to LKR 8.48 billion, compared with LKR 2.96 billion in the previous session. Approximately 82.30 million shares changed hands during the day.

The sharp increase in turnover was mainly supported by sizeable crossing transactions in Cargills (Ceylon) PLC and Hayleys PLC. Crossings generated LKR 6.17 billion, representing approximately 73% of total equity turnover.Cargills recorded the largest crossing activity, with three transactions generating a combined turnover of LKR 4.07 billion from approximately 6.46 million shares. The counter also recorded the highest individual turnover of the session at LKR 4.08 billion and gained 5.12%.

The Food and Staples Retailing sector dominated market activity, recording LKR 4.09 billion in turnover from 6.58 million shares. Cargills accounted for almost the entire sector turnover, generating LKR 4.08 billion from approximately 6.47 million shares.Despite the market recovery, foreign investors remained significant net sellers, recording a net foreign outflow of LKR 4.87 billion. This reflected continued foreign selling pressure, particularly through the high-value crossing transactions recorded during the session.Market breadth remained positive, with 124 securities advancing against 86 decliners, indicating improved buying interest across the broader market.Cargills was the strongest positive contributor to the ASPI, adding 15.20 points to the index. Colombo Dockyard, Ceylon Grain Elevators, RIL Property, and Melstacorp also supported the market’s recovery.

Ceylinco Insurance was the largest negative contributor, reducing the ASPI by 7.86 points. Commercial Credit and Finance, Commercial Bank, Central Finance, and Richard Pieris also weighed on the index.Overall, the session reflected a notable improvement in domestic investor sentiment, supported by gains across a broader range of counters. However, the concentration of turnover in crossing transactions and the substantial foreign outflow suggested that underlying market sentiment remained cautious.