Indices close in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Sampath Bank, Carson Cumberbatch and Sri Lanka Telecom with turnover crossing Rs 396 Mn. A similar behavior was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was seen in Commercial Bank, Tokyo Cement and Sampath Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Resus Energy and Commercial Bank nonvoting whilst retail interest was noted in East West Properties. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers. Total foreign purchases accounted for 61.3% of turnover.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to both Commercial Bank voting & nonvoting and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index lost 0.18%. The share price of Commercial Bank decreased by Rs 0.30 (0.22%) to close at Rs 135.50. The share price of Sampath Bank moved down by Rs 4.00 (1.32%) to close at Rs 300.10. The share price of Commercial Bank nonvoting recorded a gain of Rs 0.90 (0.85%) to close at Rs 107.20.

Manufacturing sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Tokyo Cement Company) whilst the sector index decreased by 1.18%. The share price of Tokyo Cement Company lost Rs 1.20 (2.17%) to close at Rs 54.00.

Sunshine Holdings was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Sunshine Holdings appreciated by Rs 1.50 (2.63%) to close at Rs 58.50.

Furthermore, The Lighthouse Hotel announced an interim dividend of Rs 2.50 per share.