Foreign sales account for ~44% of the turnover

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Hatton National Bank, Ceylon Cold Stores and Commercial Leasing & Finance with the turnover crossing Rs 388 Mn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in John Keells Holdings and Kelani Tyres. Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in East West Properties. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in John Keells Holdings and Kelani Tyres. Total foreign sales accounted for 44.2% of the turnover.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.09%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs 0.50 (0.37%) closing at Rs 135.50 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 953,310 shares.

Manufacturing sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Kelani Tyres) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.83%. The share price of Kelani Tyres gained Rs 0.10 (0.33%) closing at Rs 30.00 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 1,208,800 shares.

East West Properties, Sampath Bank and Seylan Bank nonvoting were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of East West Properties moved down by Rs 0.50 (2.86%) to close at Rs 17.00. The share price of Sampath Bank recorded a loss of Rs 1.20 (0.86%) to close at Rs 138.80.

The share price of Seylan Bank nonvoting appreciated by Rs 0.70 (2.32%) to close at Rs 30.90. Furthermore, Ceylon Tobacco Company announced an interim dividend of Rs 19.00 per share whilst Singer Industries and Ceylon Cold Stores announced their final dividends of Rs 1.57 and Rs 8.00 per share respectively.