📉 Sri Lanka Stocks Close Lower as ASPI Drops 0.24% in Rs 2.23 Bn Turnover

• Market Performance: The benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) fell 0.24% (51.79 points) to close at 21,262.13, while the liquid S&P SL20 index lost 0.29% (17.66 points) to settle at 5,976.67. • Turnover & Sectors: Total daily market turnover reached Rs 2.23 Bn, driven largely by the food, beverage & tobacco sector, which dominated activity with Rs 1.2 Bn. • Top Gainers: Positive contributors to the ASPI included Sampath Bank (+0.36% to Rs 140.25), Watawala Plantations (+3.37% to Rs 46.00), SMB Finance (+10.00% to Rs 1.10), and Lion Brewery (+1.25% to Rs 1,780.00). • Top Losers: Main drag on the index came from Dialog Axiata (-2.95% to Rs 46.00), Melstacorp (-0.81% to Rs 184.75), and Commercial Bank (-0.49% to Rs 204.00). • Corporate News: A mandatory offer for Industrial Asphalts fell through after the SEC refused clear a share transfer, following the company's placement on the CSE Watchlist for non-compliance.