The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) witnessed a sharp decline in its benchmark indices today (20), with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) falling by 197.31 points and the S&P SL20 Index declining by 56.46 points.

At the close of trading, the ASPI stood at 21,208.10, while the S&P SL20 Index settled at 5,943.22.

Despite the decline in indices, the market recorded a relatively high turnover of Rs. 2.63 billion. This marks a significant rebound from the previous trading day on Friday (July 17), when turnover stood at just Rs. 722 million, the lowest daily turnover recorded in the past 15 months.

The day's turnover was largely driven by crossings in several major counters, including CT Holdings (Rs. 561 million), Cargills (Ceylon) (Rs. 544.95 million), and Lanka Milk Foods (Rs. 232 million).

Overall market sentiment remained negative, with the share prices of 179 listed companies declining during the session. According to the Colombo Stock Exchange, the drop in the ASPI was primarily driven by price losses in Dialog Axiata, Commercial Bank, Richard Pieris & Company, John Keells Holdings, and Carson Cumberbatch.