Crossings boost turnover

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Commercial Bank and Melstacorp Limited whilst turnover crossed Rs 875 Mn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in John Keells Holdings, Ceylon Cold Stores, Royal Ceramics and Serendib Hotels whilst mixed interest was observed in Access Engineering. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in John Keells Holdings and Royal Ceramics.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to National Development Bank) whilst the sector index lost 0.45%. The share price of National Development Bank increased by Rs 5.00 (3.70%) to close at Rs 140.00. Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.86%. The share price of John Keells Holdings lost Rs 1.50 (1.06%) closing at Rs 140.10 whilst foreign holdings increased by 181,935 shares. Ceylon Cold Stores, Access Engineering and Royal Ceramics were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Ceylon Cold Stores moved up by Rs 54.70 (7.24%) to close at Rs 810.00. The share price of Access Engineering recorded a gain of Rs 0.50 (2.04%) to close at Rs 25.00. The share price of Royal Ceramics increased by Rs 1.90 (1.61%) closing at Rs 120.00 whilst foreign holdings increased by 249,732 shares. Furthermore, Laxapana Batteries, J. L Morison Son & Jones (Ceylon), Keells Food Products, Lanka Aluminium Industries and Access Engineering announced their interim dividends of Rs 0.77, Rs 10.00, Rs 3.00, Rs 2.00 and Rs 0.50 per share respectively.