COMB accounts for 80% of turnover

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Distilleries, Dialog Axiata and Ceylon Cold Stores with the turnover crossing Rs 3.6 Bn.

Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in red. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Commercial Bank, Lion Brewery, Sampath Bank and John Keells Holdings.

Mixed interest was observed in Distilleries, Tokyo Cement Company and Dialog Axiata whilst retail interest was noted in Access Engineering, LOLC Holdings and People’s Leasing & Finance. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers. Total foreign sales accounted for 89.6% of the turnover. Banks sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index lost 2.56%. The share price of Commercial Bank decreased by Rs 5.30 (9.57%) to close at Rs 50.10. The share price of Sampath Bank moved down by Rs 0.20 (0.19%) to close at Rs 103.30.

Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Lion Brewery and Ceylon Tobacco Company) whilst the sector index increased by 1.25%. The share price of Lion Brewery edged down by Rs 0.10 (0.02%) to close at Rs 450.00.

The share price of Ceylon Tobacco Company declined by Rs 19.60 (2.18%) to close at Rs 880.00. John Keells Holdings was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of John Keells Holdings recorded a loss of Rs 5.00 (5.53%) to close at Rs 85.40.

Furthermore, Chevron Lubricants and Ceylon Tobacco Company announced their interim dividends of Rs 1.00 and Rs 19.00 per share respectively.