Indices close in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Ceylon Tobacco Company, Lion Brewery and Asiri Hospital Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs 635 Mn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 edged down. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Sampath Bank and C T Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Dialog Axiata, Access Engineering and Hatton National Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting and Commercial Bank. Furthermore, foreigners closed as net sellers.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.02%. The share price of Sampath Bank decreased by Rs 0.40 (0.24%) to close at Rs 169.50. The share price of Hatton National Bank edged down by Rs 0.10 (0.05%) to close at Rs 182.00. Manufacturing sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.40%. The share price of Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting declined by Rs 0.70 (1.98%) to close at Rs 34.60.Dialog Axiata and Access Engineering were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Dialog Axiata lost Rs 0.10 (0.79%) to close at Rs 12.60. The share price of Access Engineering moved down by Rs 0.40 (1.79%) to close at Rs 21.90.

Furthermore, Distilleries announced an interim dividend of Rs 0.65 per share.