Indices close in red

Indices closed in red due to price losses in counters such as Hemas Holdings, Lanka Orix Leasing Company and Hatton National Bank with turnover crossing Rs 460 Mn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in John Keells Holdings and Ceylon Tobacco Company. Mixed interest was observed in Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in John Keells Holdings.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index lost 0.66%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs 0.80 (0.49%) closing at Rs 164.80 whilst foreign holdings increased by 1,294,645 shares.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.68%. The share price of Commercial Bank moved down by Rs 0.60 (0.44%) to close at Rs 136.10. The share price of Sampath Bank recorded a loss of Rs 0.80 (0.25%) to close at Rs 315.10. The share price of Hatton National Bank declined by Rs 2.80 (1.11%) to close at Rs 250.00.

Ceylon Tobacco Company was also included amongst the top turnover contributors.

The share price of Ceylon Tobacco Company edged upby Rs 0.70 (0.07%) to close at Rs 1,029.90.

Meanwhile, Asiri Surgical Hospitals announced its interim dividend of Rs 0.85 per share.