Crossings account for 71% of turnover

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Softlogic Life Insurance and Ceylinco Insurance with the turnover crossing Rs 1.0 Bn. A similar behaviour was seen in the S&P SL20. Crossings were witnessed in Asiri Hospital Holdings, Hemas Holdings, Ceylinco Insurance, John Keells Holdings and Central Finance Company, accounting for 70.8% of the turnover.

Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Access Engineering. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in Asiri Hospital Holdings and Central Finance Company. Total foreign sales accounted for 51.4% of the turnover.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Ceylinco Insurance and Central Finance Company) whilst the sector index lost 0.82%. The share price of Ceylinco Insurance moved down by Rs 79.00 (3.95%) to close at Rs 1,920.00. The share price of Central Finance Company appreciated by Rs 0.40 (0.42%) closing at Rs 94.90 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 1,000,000 shares. Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hemas Holdings and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.98%. The share price of Hemas Holdings closed flat at Rs 86.50. The share price of John Keells Holdings recorded a loss of Rs 3.00 (1.90%) to close at Rs 154.70.

Asiri Hospital Holdings was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Asiri Hospital Holdings increased by Rs 0.10 (0.45%) closing at Rs 22.10 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 8,000,000 shares.

Furthermore, Keells Food Products announced its interim dividend of Rs 4.00 per share.