Indices close in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Commercial Bank, Dialog Axiata and Sri Lanka Telecom with the turnover crossing Rs 468 Mn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings and Sampath Bank.

Mixed interest was observed in Tokyo Cement Company, Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting and Access Engineering whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

Manufacturing sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Tokyo Cement Company and Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting) whilst the sector index lost 0.29%. The share price of Tokyo Cement Company increased by Rs 0.60 (1.89%) to close at Rs 32.40. The share price of Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting gained Rs 0.80 (2.99%) to close at Rs 27.60.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 0.51%. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved up by Rs 1.90 (1.30%) to close at Rs148.00.

Access Engineering and Sampath Bank were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Access Engineering recorded a gain of Rs 0.30 (1.57%) closing at Rs 19.40 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 354,000 shares. The share price of Sampath Bank closed flat at Rs 162.20 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 30,267 shares.