Indices close in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Ceylon Tobacco Company, John Keells Holdings and LOLC Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs 591 Mn.

A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Ceylon Cold Stores, John Keells Holdings, Sampath Bank and Aitken Spence.

Mixed interest was observed in Browns Investments, Seylan Bank and Tokyo Cement Company whilst retail interest was noted in Lanka Tiles, Chevron Lubricants and Seylan Bank nonvoting.

Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as netsellers. Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Aitken Spence) whilst the sector index lost 1.91%.

The share price of John Keells Holdings lost Rs 2.70 (1.77%) to close at Rs 149.90. The share price of Aitken Spence recorded a loss of Rs 1.50 (3.57%) to close at Rs 40.50. Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Ceylon Cold Stores and

Browns Investments) whilst the sector index decreased by 1.05%.

The share price of Ceylon Cold Stores closed flat at Rs 790.00. The share price of Browns Investments declined by Rs 0.20 (4.08%) to close at Rs 4.70. Sampath Bank was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Sampath Bank moved down by Rs 2.50 (1.51%) to close at Rs 163.00.

Furthermore, Keells Food Products announced an interim dividend of Rs 4.00 per share.