Indices close on a negative note

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, DFCC Bank and Chevron Lubricants with the turnover crossing Rs 169 Mn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in John Keells Holdings and Distilleries. Mixed interest was observed in Teejay Lanka whilst retail interest was noted in Softlogic Capital. Furthermore,foreigners closed 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 0.71%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs 2.10 (1.48%) closing at Rs 139.90 whilst foreign holdings increased by 189,046 shares.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank and Softlogic Capital) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.61%. The share price of Sampath Bank lost Rs 3.00 (1.01%) to close at Rs 295.00. The share price of Softlogic Capital closed flat at Rs 5.50.

Distilleries and Teejay Lanka were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Distilleries moved down by Rs 0.10 (0.49%) to close at Rs 20.40. The share price of Teejay Lanka recorded a gain of Rs 0.30 (0.93%) to close at Rs 32.50.