The Colombo Stock Exchange commenced the week on a sharply negative note, as intensified geopolitical tensions and continued uncertainty surrounding global economic conditions triggered broad-based selling pressure across the market. Investor sentiment remained largely bearish throughout the session, with both retail and institutional participants adopting a cautious stance amid rising external risks.

The ASPI remained firmly in negative territory throughout the day, reflecting heightened risk aversion and profit-taking activity across most sectors. Concerns over external market pressures and the weakening global outlook weighed heavily on market confidence, resulting in widespread declines and subdued investor participation.The Capital Goods sector dominated today’s market turnover, recording LKR 1.54 Bn with 39.73 Mn shares traded. ACL.N emerged as the leading contributor within the sector, generating LKR 0.28 Bn in turnover with 2.80 Mn shares traded.

At the close, the ASPI declined by 592.28 points (-2.59%) to settle at 22,313.47, while the S&P SL20 lost 122.26 points (-1.95%) to close at 6,161.98. Total market turnover stood at LKR 4.89 Bn, with share volume recorded at 210.44 Mn shares.Crossings accounted for LKR 0.60 Bn, representing 12% of total turnover, with the largest crossing recorded in JKH.N amounting to LKR 0.22 Bn involving 11.00 Mn shares traded. Market breadth weakened significantly, with only 10 gainers against 269 decliners, highlighting intense selling pressure across the broader market.On the positive side, CINS.N (+10.25 points) led index gains, followed by ATL.N, SLND.N, COMD.N, and MCPL.N. On the downside, JKH.N (-21.39 points) emerged as the main drag on the index, while RIL.N, HAYL.N, COMB.N, and DOCK.N also exerted significant pressure on market performance.