Indices close in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Ceylon Beverage Holdings, Dialog Axiata and LOLC Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs 360 Mn. A similar behavior was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Ceylon Tobacco Company. Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank and John Keells Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Chevron Lubricants and Tokyo Cement Company.

Furthermore, foreigners closed as net buyers. Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Ceylon Tobacco Company and Browns Investments) whilst the sector index lost 1.10%. The share price of Ceylon Tobacco Company edged down by Rs 0.10 (0.01%) to close at Rs 1,119.90. The share price of Browns Investments declined by Rs 0.20 (4.26%) to close at Rs 4.50.

Banks sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index decreased by 2.11%. The share price of Sampath Bank lost Rs 3.00 (1.84%) to close at Rs 160.00.

John Keells Holdings and Chevron Lubricants were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved down by Rs 0.90 (0.60%)

to close at Rs 149.00. The share price of Chevron Lubricants recorded a loss of Rs 1.70 (2.36%) to close at Rs 70.30.

Furthermore, Union Bank announced its’ first and final dividend of Rs 0.14 per share and Ceylon Tobacco Company announced a final dividend of Rs 12.13 per share.