Crossings account for ~45% of the turnover

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Hatton National Bank, Sri Lanka Telecom and Singer Sri Lanka with the turnover crossing Rs 400 Mn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. Crossings were witnessed in Commercial Bank and Asian Hotels & Properties, accounting for 44.6% of the turnover. Retail interest was noted in East West Properties. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers. Total foreign purchases accounted for 45.6% of the turnover.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index lost 1.47%. The share price of Commercial Bank decreased by Rs 1.40 (1.37%) to close at Rs 100.60. The share price of Sampath Bank declined by Rs 5.00 (2.50%) to close at Rs 194.90.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.34%. The share price of John Keells Holdings edged down by Rs 0.10 (0.06%) to close at Rs 155.00.

East West Properties and Asian Hotels & Properties were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of East West Properties moved up by Rs 4.70 (34.56%) to close at Rs 18.30. The share price of Asian Hotels & Properties recorded a gain of Rs 1.30 (3.27%) to close at Rs 41.00.

Furthermore, Colombo City Holdings, Watawala Plantations, Softlogic Life Insurance and Bukit Darah announced their interim dividends of Rs 30.00, Rs 2.00, Rs 1.45 and Rs 0.75 per share respectively.