CSE extends gains as positive sentiment lifts indices on favorable market developments

By Almas Equities Research

The Colombo Stock Exchange continued its recovery momentum on 20th March 2026, as improved investor sentiment supported a strong upward movement throughout the session. The market maintained a steady positive trajectory from the opening bell, driven by renewed confidence following recent volatility, with the ASPI recording a notable gain of 375.72 points by the close.

The rally was underpinned by increased participation from both retail and institutional investors, reflecting a gradual shift in sentiment toward optimism. Sustained buying interest across key counters contributed to the upward movement, signaling improving market stability in the near term.

The Capital Goods sector emerged as the top contributor to market turnover, recording LKR 1.84 Bn with a trading volume of 76.23 Mn shares. JKH.N led sector activity, generating LKR 1.16 Bn in turnover with 63.68 Mn shares traded. Crossings accounted for LKR 1.21 Bn, representing 27.70% of total turnover, with the largest transaction recorded in JKH.N amounting to LKR 0.63 Bn involving 34.50 Mn shares.

At the close, the ASPI advanced by 375.72 points (+1.85%) to settle at 20,639.73, while the S&P SL20 gained 100.78 points (+1.78%) to close at 5,752.19. Total market turnover stood at LKR 4.39 Bn, with 215.22 Mn shares traded during the session. Market breadth improved significantly, with 182 gainers against 47 decliners, indicating broad-based buying interest across the market.

On the contributors’ front, SAMP.N led the positive impact on the index, gaining 34.20 points, followed by HAYL.N, DOCK.N, MELS.N, and JKH.N. Meanwhile, CTHR.N declined by 8.72 points, acting as the main drag on the index, with BUKI.N, CFIN.N, ACME.N, and SEMB.N also exerting mild downward pressure.

Among notable trades, JKH.N recorded significant activity, posting LKR 1.15 Bn in turnover with 63.07 Mn shares traded, alongside a price gain of 1.67%, highlighting continued investor interest in fundamentally strong counters.