📉 Colombo Stock Market Drops Below 22,000 Mark

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) experienced a notable downturn today (07 July 2026), with benchmark indices sliding below critical thresholds amid pressure on major blue-chip and financial sector stocks. • Market Indices Overview: The benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) fell by 118.35 points to close at 21,962.30, marking its first dip below the 22,000-point threshold since June 12. The blue-chip S&P SL20 index declined by 31.55 points to end at 6,135.50. • Key Drivers & Sectors: The slump was primarily driven by price drops in heavyweights like Dialog Axiata and Melstacorp. Other major contributors to the downward trend included John Keells Holdings (JKH), Carsons Cumberbatch, and CIC. The banking sector also faced pressure, with NDB, HNB, and Sampath Bank all recording price declines. • Turnover & Trading Activity: Despite the index decline, daily market turnover reached LKR 1.53 Bn. Activity was supported by crossings, particularly in JKH, which generated LKR 264 Mn in crossings and a total daily turnover of LKR 306 Mn. Sathosa Motors also saw high activity, recording a turnover of LKR 126 Mn (including crossings), while most other listed companies stayed below LKR 100 Mn.