The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) ended lower today, with the All-Share Price Index (ASPI) declining 0.31% to close at 21,279.65, while the more liquid S&P SL20 Index fell 0.24% to 5,994.81.

Following today’s performance, the ASPI is down 5.94% year-to-date, while the S&P SL20 has declined 2.64% since the beginning of the year.

Market breadth remained negative, with 65 stocks recording gains against 111 decliners. The decline in the ASPI was mainly driven by Cargills (Ceylon), Dialog Axiata and Citizens Development Business Finance.

Trading activity was particularly subdued ahead of the two-day holiday, with turnover falling to Rs. 796.92 Mn. This was the lowest daily turnover since 17 July 2026 and represented a sharp decline from yesterday’s record Rs. 16.85 Bn, which was boosted by several large block trades.

Today’s turnover was also significantly below the daily average of Rs. 4.03 Bn. The Capital Goods, Materials and Banking sectors led market activity.

Meanwhile, Moody's Ratings yesterday affirmed Sri Lanka’s sovereign credit rating at Caa1 with a Stable outlook, citing continued progress in restoring macroeconomic stability.

However, the positive assessment appeared to have little impact on investor sentiment, with trading remaining subdued and market activity lacking strong momentum.