Indices edge down

Price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Ceylon Tobacco Company and Sri Lanka Telecom resulted in ASPI closing in red whilst turnover crossed Rs 363 Mn. Similar behavior was witnessed in S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Vallibel Power Erthna. Mixed interest was observed in Hayleys Fabric and People’s Leasing & Finance whilst retail interest was noted in Nation Lanka Finance. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in Distilleries and Hayleys Fabric.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to People’s Leasing & Finance and Nation Lanka Finance) whilst the sector index gained 0.04%. The share price of People’s Leasing & Finance closed flat at Rs 18.10. The share price of Nation Lanka Finance moved up by Rs 0.10 (5.56%) to close at Rs 1.90.

Manufacturing sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Chevron Lubricants) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.03%. The share price of Chevron Lubricants increased by Rs 0.20 (0.12%) to close at Rs 164.60.

Distilleries and Hayleys Fabric were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Distilleries increased by Rs 7.10 (3.01%) closing at Rs 243.10 whilst foreign holdings increased by 121,825 shares. The share price of Hayleys Fabric recorded a gain of Rs 0.10 (0.55%) closing at Rs 18.30 whilst foreign holdings increased by 700,000 shares.

Furthermore, Chevron Lubricants Lanka and ACL Cables announced their interim dividends of Rs 3.00 and Rs 1.50 per share respectively. Lanka Ventures announced its final dividend of Rs 2.00 per share.