Today (30) the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) ended the trading session in the red, driven by broad-based profit-taking across major sectors that dampened investor confidence.

The All Share Price Index (ASPI) dropped 67.40 points, or 0.42%, to settle at 15,799.94. The S&P SL20 Index, comprising the top 20 most liquid and largest stocks, also declined, falling 27.60 points, or 0.59%, to close at 4,643.66.

Trading activity remained robust, with a total turnover of Rs. 2.37 billion and approximately 124.7 million shares traded. Domestic purchases amounted to Rs. 2.22 billion, while domestic sales reached Rs. 2.13 billion. Foreign investors contributed Rs. 153.37 million in purchases and Rs. 243.95 million in sales, reflecting a net foreign outflow. Of the stocks traded, 113 negatively impacted the ASPI, while 71 contributed positively.

Key stocks dragging the index lower included Hatton National Bank, Sampath Bank, CT Holdings, Commercial Bank and National Development Bank. On the positive side, Melstacorp, Cargills, Singer Sri Lanka, PGP Glass Ceylon and Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka were among the notable gainers.