Srilanka, Aug. 24 -- The Colombo Stock Exchange opened the week on a weaker note on Monday, 24 August 2026, with both benchmark indices closing lower amid broad-based selling pressure.

The All Share Price Index declined by 71.84 points, or 0.34%, to close at 21,344.77, while the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index fell by 18.69 points, or 0.31%, to end the session at 6,009.40.

The ASPI remained above the 21,400 level during early trading before gradually losing momentum through the session. Selling pressure intensified as the day progressed, pushing the index lower towards the close. The S&P SL20 followed a similar trajectory and also ended firmly in negative territory.

Total market turnover surged to LKR 16.85 billion, while approximately 67.08 m...