Indices close in red

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Commercial Bank and Ceylon Cold Stores. The turnover crossed Rs 670 Mn for the day. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Melstacorp, Hemas Holdings, Hatton National Bank Voting and Nonvoting. Mixed interest was observed in Access Engineering whilst retail interest was noted in Richard Peiris and Company. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign buying in Melstacorp, Hatton National Bank Voting and Nonvoting. Total foreign purchases accounted for 66.8% of turnover.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank Voting and Nonvoting) whilst the sector index lost 1.43%. The share price of Hatton National Bank decreased by Rs 2.00 (0.75%) closing at Rs 263.00 whilst foreign holdings increased by 456,760 shares. The share price of Hatton National Bank nonvoting closed flat at Rs 205.00 whilst foreign holdings increased by 584,896 shares.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Melstacorp, Hemas Holdings and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 1.13%. The share price of Melstacorp moved up by Rs 0.70 (1.20%) closing at Rs 59.10 whilst foreign holdings increased by 1,019,216 shares. The share price of Hemas Holdings closed flat at Rs 130.00. The share price of John Keells Holdings declined by Rs 3.30 (2.09%) to close at Rs 154.80.

Furthermore, Ceylon Tobacco Company announced its interim dividend of Rs 17.50 per share.