Indices close on mixed note

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Ceylon Tobacco Company, Nestle Lanka and Trans Asia Hotels with the turnover crossing

Rs 427 Mn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in green.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings and Sanasa Development Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Commercial Bank and Sampath

Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Access Engineering.

Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as netsellers. During the week, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 lost 1.91% and 2.19% respectively whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs 443 Mn.

Banks sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank, Sanasa Development Bank and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.02%.

The share price of Commercial Bank lost Rs 1.70 (1.95%) to close at Rs 85.50. The share price of Sampath Bank moved up by Rs 6.30 (3.92%) to close at Rs 166.90. The share price of Sanasa Development Bank closed flat at Rs 57.00. The share price of Hatton National Bank declined by Rs 0.50 (0.32%) to close at Rs 156.50. Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.36%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs 1.00 (0.64%) to close at Rs 155.00.

Furthermore, Sampath Bank and Dialog Axiata announced their first and final dividends of Rs 11.75 and Rs 0.53 per share respectively.