June begins in red

The price losses in counters such as Nestle Lanka, Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings and Distilleries resulted in indices closing in red whilst turnover crossed Rs 730 Mn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in John Keells Holdings whist mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank. Furthermore, retail interest was noted in Kelani Cables and Eastern Merchants. Foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in John Keells Holdings.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank and Seylan Bank) whilst the sector index lost 0.29%. The share price of Hatton National Bank lost Rs 0.60 (0.26%) to close at Rs 228.00. The share price of Seylan Bank moved down by Rs 2.90 (2.42%) to close at Rs 117.00.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.37%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs 1.10 (0.56%) closing at Rs 194.00 whilst foreign holdings increased by 126,617 shares.

Kelani Cables and Sierra Cables were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Kelani Cables recorded a gain of Rs 8.00 (8.60%) to close at Rs 101.00. The share price of Sierra Cables declined by Rs 0.30 (6.67%) to close at Rs 4.20.

Furthermore, Hemas Holdings, Singer Finance, Asian Hotels & Properties, Trans Asia Hotels and Central Industries announced their final dividends of Rs 0.70, Rs 1.25, Rs 3.00, Rs 2.00 and Rs 4.50 per share respectively whilst Horana Plantations, Tea Smallholder Factories and John Keells announced their first & final dividends of Rs 0.50, Rs 0.50 and Rs 3.75 per share respectively.