Indices close in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Softlogic Life Insurance and Sri Lanka.

Telecom with the turnover crossing Rs 188 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 Hemas Holdings. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in John Keells Holdings.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Hemas Holdings) whilst the sector index lost 0.45%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs 1.30 (0.95%) closing at Rs 136.00 whilst foreign holdings increased by 203,413 shares. The share price of Hemas Holdings closed flat at Rs 68.00.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Pan Asia Banking Corporation and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.41%. The share price of Pan Asia Banking

Corporation recorded a gain of Rs 0.20 (1.67%) to close at Rs 12.20. The share price of Hatton National Bank appreciated by Rs 0.20 (0.14%) to close at Rs 139.00.

Ceylon Tobacco Company was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Ceylon Tobacco

Company closed flat at Rs 1,300.00.

Furthermore, LVL Energy Fund announced an interim dividend of Rs 0.31 per share whilst Vallibel Finance announced its Firstand Final dividend of Rs 4.00 per share.