Both ASPI and S&P SL20 close in red

The week commenced on a negative note due to price losses in counters such as Ceylon Beverage Holdings, Sri Lanka Telecom and Chevron Lubricants which resulted in indices to closing in red whilst turnover crossed Rs 670 Mn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Hemas Holdings Rights (which started trading today) and in Laugfs Gas. Mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings and Vallibel Finance whilst retail interest was noted in Swisstek, Softlogic Finance and Vallibel Power Erathna. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in Laugfs Gas.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank) whilst the sector index gained 0.03%. The share price of Commercial Bank closed flat at Rs 171.00.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hemas Holdings Rights and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 0.03%. The share price of Hemas Holdings Rights decreased by Rs 1.60 (35.56%) closing at Rs 2.90. The share price of John Keells Holdings recorded a gain of Rs 0.50 (0.24%) to close at Rs 208.00.

Laugfs Gas and Swisstek were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Laugfs Gas gained Rs 1.60 (4.19%) closing at Rs 39.80 whilst foreign holdings increased by 1,668,000 shares. The share price of Swisstek moved up by Rs 3.80 (7.50%) to close at Rs 54.50.

Furthermore, Softlogic Holdings announced a final dividend of Rs 0.25 per share.