Full Stock Market

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Central Finance Company and Dialog Axiata with the turnover crossing Rs 1.5 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. Crossings were witnessed in Harischandra Mills, Swadeshi Industrial Works and Asiri Hospital Holdings, accounting for 84.5% of the turnover. Mixed interest was noted in Aitken Spence and Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was observed in Vallibel Power Erathna. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

Beverage, Food and Tobacco sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Harischandra Mills) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.02%. The share price of Harischandra Mills closed flat at Rs 1,649.80.

Manufacturing sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Swadeshi Industrial Works) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.53%. The share price of Swadeshi Industrial Works closed flat at Rs 14,900.00. Aitken Spence, Sampath Bank and Asiri Hospital Holdings were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Aitken Spence moved down by Rs 0.10 (0.25%) closing at Rs 40.00 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 1,619,868 shares.

The share price of Sampath Bank recorded a gain of Rs 0.50 (0.36%) closing at Rs 138.50 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 438,786 shares. The share price of Asiri Hospital Holdings appreciated by Rs 0.80 (3.96%) closing at Rs 21.00 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 2,500,000 shares. Furthermore, Cargills announced its final dividend of Rs 4.10 per share.