Indices close on a mixed note

ASPI edged up due to price gains in counters such as Lion Brewery, Ceylon Beverage Holdings and Sri Lanka Telecom. Meanwhile S&P SL20 closed in red. The turnover crossed Rs 324 Mn for the day. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in John Keells Holdings, Royal Ceramics Lanka and Union Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Orient Finance. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign buying in John Keells Holdings.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Union Bank) whilst the sector index lost 0.53%. The share price of Union Bank recorded a loss of Rs 0.10 (0.71%) to close at Rs 13.90.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 0.41%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs 1.10 (0.72%) closing at Rs 153.10 whilst foreign holdings increased by 205,962 shares.

Royal Ceramics, Ceylon Tobacco Company and Lankem Developments were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Royal Ceramics lost Rs 4.00 (3.39%) to close at Rs 114.00. The share price of Ceylon Tobacco Company moved up by Rs 5.80 (0.61%) to close at Rs 950.00. The share price of Lankem Developments declined by Rs 1.00 (7.81%) to close at Rs 11.80.

Furthermore, Commercial Development Company announced its interim dividend of Rs 2.00 per share.