Full Stock Market

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Lanka Orix Leasing Company, Dialog Axiata and Softlogic Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs 4.1 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in John Keells Holdings, Sampath Bank, Teejay Lanka and Melstacorp. Retail interest was observed in Access Engineering. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in John Keells Holdings. Total foreign sales accounted for 78.0% of the turnover.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Melstacorp) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.10%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs 1.00 (0.66%) closing at Rs 150.00 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 21,400,138 shares. The share price of Melstacorp recorded a gain of Rs 0.50 (0.93%) to close at Rs 54.50.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.93%. The share price of Sampath Bank lost Rs 5.00 (2.13%) to close at Rs 230.00.

Teejay Lanka and Access Engineering were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Teejay Lanka moved down by Rs 0.80 (2.33%) to close at Rs 33.50. The share price of Access Engineering appreciated by Rs 0.10 (0.58%) to close at Rs 17.20.

Furthermore, Cargills and Vidullanka announced their interim dividends of Rs 1.90 and Rs 0.15 per share respectively.