The All Share Price Index gained 22.78 points, or 0.11%, to close at 21,338.69, while the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index advanced by 4.35 points, or 0.07%, to end the session at 6,009.68.

The ASPI opened firmly above the 21,350 level and strengthened during early trading before gradually losing momentum through the middle of the session. Selling pressure pushed the index close to the 21,300 level during afternoon trading, although renewed buying interest towards the close helped the market recover and finish in positive territory. The S&P SL20 followed a similar pattern, surrendering its early gains before staging a late recovery.Total market turnover remained relatively subdued at LKR 1.01 billion, with approximately 50.61 million shares changing hands during the session.

The Capital Goods sector dominated market activity, generating approximately LKR 300.64 million in turnover from 7.88 million shares. Sierra Cables recorded the highest turnover within the sector at approximately LKR 107.72 million.Crossing transactions contributed approximately LKR 106.20 million, representing around 10% of total equity turnover. The largest crossing was recorded in Access Engineering, where 1.00 million shares changed hands at LKR 75.00, generating turnover of LKR 75.00 million. Sierra Cables also recorded a crossing worth approximately LKR 31.20 million involving 850,000 shares.

Foreign investors remained net buyers for the session, recording a net foreign inflow of LKR 18.68 million, providing modest support to overall market sentiment.Market breadth, however, remained marginally negative, with 104 securities advancing against 108 decliners, resulting in an advance-to-decline ratio of 0.96. The relatively balanced breadth suggested that the gains in the benchmark indices were driven by selective buying rather than a broad-based market advance.Browns Investments was the strongest positive contributor to the ASPI, adding 10.87 points to the index. Carson Cumberbatch, WindForce, John Keells Holdings and DFCC Bank also supported the market.

Lion Brewery recorded the largest negative contribution, reducing the ASPI by 8.81 points. Vallibel One, Melstacorp, Hatton National Bank and SMB Finance non-voting also weighed on the index.Among notable trades, Sierra Cables recorded the highest individual counter turnover at approximately LKR 107.72 million, followed by Access Engineering with LKR 77.31 million and Browns Investments with LKR 68.44 million.Overall, the session reflected a cautiously positive start to the week, supported by late-session buying and continued foreign inflows. However, subdued turnover and marginally negative market breadth indicated that broader investor participation remained selective.