Indices close in red

Both ASPI and S&P SL20 closed in red due to price losses in counters such as Ceylon Tobacco Company, John Keells Holdings and Good Hope with turnover crossing Rs 1.5 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in John Keells Holdings, Seylan Bank, Hemas Holdings and Hayleys Fabric. Mixed interest was observed in Royal Ceramics Lanka, Textured Jersey Lanka and Hatton National Bank whilst retail i nterest was noted i n Bairaha Farms, ACL Cables and Swisstek. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in John Keells Holdings and Hemas Holdings.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Hemas Holdings) whilst the sector index lost 0.14%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs 2.30 (1.18%) closing at Rs 192.00 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 925,110 shares. The share price of Hemas Holdings gained Rs 4.10 (4.46%) closing at Rs 96.10 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 650,000 shares.

Manufacturing sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Royal Ceramics) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.02%. The share price of Royal Ceramics recorded a loss of Rs 1.40 (1.04%) to close at Rs 133.00.

Hayleys Fabric and Seylan Bank were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Hayleys Fabric moved down by Rs 0.10 (0.53%) to close at Rs 18.90. The share price of Seylan Bank appreciated by Rs 3.50 (4.22%) to close at Rs 86.50.

Furthermore, Lanka IOC and C M Holdings announced their first & final dividends of Rs 1.00 and Rs 6.00 per share respectively.