The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) fell for the second continuous session on Tuesday (4) as investor participation remained weak amidst the holiday-shortened week.

The main index fell by 62.96 (0.68%) to 9,173.97 and the S&P SL 20 fell by 12.20 (0.46%) to 2,664.27, a total of 25 million shares were traded within the day recording a turnover of Rs. 768.3 million.

Commercial Bank contributed positively to the All Share Price Index (ASPI) taking the index up by 6.7 points while Sampath Bank dragged the index down by 9.06 points 

During the day, Treasury counters witnessed revitalised activity following the steep plunge in yields in the secondary market. The 3-month Treasury Bill fell by 187 basis points to 24.12% while the 6-month fell by 169 basis points to 24.10%.

Moreover, Banking and Diversified Financial sector counters traded actively despite low volumes. Foreign activity relatively improved while, foreign interest was largely observed on MELS. 

“Despite the slight improvement in market turnover compared to yesterday, overall activity continued to remain subdued over limited participation and recorded at Rs. 768.3 million largely led by crossings which accounted for a contribution of 24%. Moreover, the Food Retailing sector (22%; mainly CARG) and Capital Goods sector (19%) dominated turnover with a joint contribution of 41%,” First Capital said.

Sri Lanka Telecom saw the most trades with 608, recording a turnover of Rs. 27.5 million. 

National Lanka Finance PLC was the top loser of the day with shares falling by 20% to Rs. 0.40, and Abans Electrical PLC shares fell by 17.72% to Rs. 130.