COLOMBO, Sept 2, 2025 (ePRESS) – The Colombo Stock Exchange closed lower on Tuesday as profit-taking in banking and conglomerate counters weighed on sentiment, but the materials sector emerged as the star performer, driving market turnover.
The All Share Price Index (ASPI) slipped 72 points to end at 20,991, dragged down mainly by Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC), Sampath Bank (SAMP), National Development Bank (NDB), Commercial Bank (COMB) and John Keells Holdings (JKH).
Despite the index decline, overall turnover rose to LKR 7.5 billion, up 9 percent from the monthly average of LKR 6.9 billion. High-net-worth investors flocked to selected materials counters, helping the sector contribute 34 percent of the day’s turnover. Capital Goods and Consumer Services sectors together added 29 percent.
Alumex PLC (ALUM) led the day with a turnover of LKR 2.1 billion, accounting for 28 percent of the market. Sierra Cables (SIRA) followed with LKR 369 million. ALUM also dominated volumes with 113.4 million shares traded, or 36 percent of the market, while SIRA added 14.3 million shares.
Hotels sector counters also showed positive momentum ahead of the seasonal period, cushioning the day’s losses. Overall market volumes dropped to 311.5 million shares.
Foreign investors turned net buyers with an inflow of LKR 97 million. ALUM, Melstacorp (MELS) and Piramal Glass (PKME) led foreign inflows, while SIRA, CTC and JAT Holdings recorded the largest outflows.
— Courtesy First Capital Research
