CSE slips as foreign selling weighs on recent recovery
The Colombo Stock Exchange closed marginally lower on 24 September 2026, with both benchmark indices reversing early gains as selling pressure returned during the session.The ASPI declined 18.26 points, or 0.09%, to close at 21,066.89, while the S&P SL20 fell 4.72 points, or 0.08%, to 5,942.78. The ASPI moved above 21,130 during the morning before gradually losing momentum and closing near the day’s low.Market turnover stood at LKR 1.31 billion, with 46.28 million shares traded. The Materials sector led activity with LKR 228.43 million in turnover, while PickMe recorded the highest individual counter turnover at LKR 211.49 million.
Crossings accounted for around 26% of total turnover, led by PickMe with LKR 77.50 million, followed by Lanka IOC, Access Engineering, Dipped Products and Sampath Bank.Market breadth remained negative, with 91 gainers against 115 decliners, while foreign investors recorded a sizeable net outflow of LKR 162.38 million.Carson Cumberbatch was the strongest positive contributor to the ASPI, followed by Commercial Bank, Hayleys, C T Holdings and Ceylon Cold Stores. Dialog Axiata was the largest negative contributor, followed by Ceylinco Insurance, Richard Pieris, CIC Holdings and Distilleries.
The inability to sustain early gains, combined with negative market breadth and stronger foreign selling, suggests that the recent rebound remains fragile. With the ASPI still holding above 21,000, the next session will be important in assessing whether buying support can re-emerge or whether selling pressure continues.
