📉 Stocks Close Down on Wednesday; Capital Goods Lead Turnover

• Overall Market: The Colombo Stock Exchange closed lower on Wednesday. The benchmark ASPI fell 0.25% (down 53.01 points) to 21,489.22, while the liquid S&P SL20 dropped 0.22% (down 13.62 points) to 6,040.90. • Turnover & Sector Trends: Total market turnover stood at LKR 972.23 Mn. The capital goods sector led market activity, generating LKR 283.19 Mn in turnover. • Top Gainers & Losers: Key positive contributors included Melstacorp (+0.80% to LKR 189.50), Hemas Holdings (+0.96% to LKR 31.60), Citizens Development Business Finance (+1.69% to LKR 36.00), and Sarvodaya Development Finance (+5.67% to LKR 41.00). Dragging the index down were Hayleys (-2.22% to LKR 231.50), Central Finance Company (-1.67% to LKR 220.25), LOLC Holdings (-1.33% to LKR 464.00), and Hatton National Bank (-0.39% to LKR 381.75). • Corporate News: HNB Finance announced the appointment of four new Independent/Non-Executive Directors following Central Bank approval, effective September 8, 2026. HNB Finance shares closed down 1.20% at LKR 8.20.