Indices close on a mixed note

The ASPI edged down due to price losses in counters such as Ceylon Tea Services, Ceylon Cold Stores and DFCC Bank with turnover crossing Rs 851 Mn. S&P SL20 closed in green for the 3rdconsecutive day. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in National Development Bank, John Keells Holdings and LOLC whilst mixed interest was observed in Lanka IOC and Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting. Retail interest was noted in Colombo Land and Development Company and Laxapana Batteries. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in National Development Bank and Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to National Development Bank and Lanka Orix Leasing Company) whilst the sector index gained 0.01%. The share price of National Development Bank increased by Rs 1.00 (0.61%) closing at Rs 165.10 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 1,002,500 shares. The share price of Lanka Orix Leasing Company declinedrs 0.10 (0.11%) to close at Rs 87.00.

Manufacturing sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.06%. The share price of Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting recorded a gain of Rs 1.20 (2.73%) closing at Rs 45.20 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 776,048,456 shares.

John Keells Holdings and Lanka IOC were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of John Keells Holdings gained Rs 1.40 (0.90%) to close at Rs 156.50. The share price of Lanka IOC moved up by Rs 0.40 (1.00%) to close at Rs 40.40.

Furthermore, Royal Palms Beach Hotels and Gestetner of Ceylon announced their first & final dividends of Rs 0.80 and Rs 1.00 per share respectively whilstraigam Wayamba Salterns announced a final dividend of Rs 0.10 per share.