The Colombo Stock Exchange closed sharply lower on Wednesday, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) falling below the 20,000 level during the session.
The ASPI fell 281.42 points, or 1.40 percent, to 19,796.06, its lowest close this year. The S&P SL20 index declined 53.67 points, or 0.94 percent, to 5,676.43.
Only 21 shares gained against 203 that fell. Turnover was Rs. 1.93 billion, with 104.30 million shares traded. Foreign investors were marginal net sellers, with an outflow of about Rs. 4.88 million.
Dialog Axiata was the largest negative contributor to the ASPI, followed by Carson Cumberbatch, Distilleries, Commercial Bank and Tokyo Cement. Haycarb made the strongest positive contribution.
Dialog Axiata also recorded the highest turnover of any single share, at Rs. 294.89 million. Crossings, or large block trades, made up about 35 percent of total turnover.
Investors will watch whether the market can find support below 20,000 in the coming sessions.
