Sri Lanka, Oct. 14 -- The Colombo Stock Exchange extended its decline on 14 October 2026, with both benchmark indices closing sharply lower as broad-based selling pressure intensified.

The ASPI fell 281.42 points, or 1.40%, to close at a new YTD low of 19,796.06, while the S&P SL20 declined 53.67 points, or 0.94%, to 5,676.43. The ASPI broke below the key psychological 20,000 level during the session and continued to weaken into the close.

Market turnover improved to LKR 1.93 billion, with 104.30 million shares traded. The Capital Goods sector led activity with LKR 405.82 million in turnover, while Dialog Axiata recorded the highest individual counter turnover at LKR 294.89 million.

Crossings accounted for around 35% of total turnover...