Indices close in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Hatton National Bank, Nestle Lanka and John Keells Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs 546 Mn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Nestle Lanka, John Keells Holdings and Dialog Axiata. Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank and Browns Investments whilst retail interest was noted in Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting. Furthermore, foreigners closed as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in Nestle Lanka.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index lost 1.43%. The share price of Sampath Bank lost Rs 3.50 (2.14%) to close at Rs 159.90. Beverage, Food and Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Nestle Lanka) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.35%. The share price of Nestle Lanka decreased by Rs 39.80 (2.86%) closing at Rs 1,350.60 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 75,000 shares.

John Keells Holdings, Dialog Axiata and Browns Investments were also included amongst the top turnover contributors.

The share price of John Keells Holdings moved down by Rs 1.10 (0.75%) to close at Rs 145.90. The share price of Dialog Axiata recorded a loss of Rs 0.10 (0.91%) to close at Rs 10.90. The share price of Browns Investments appreciated by Rs 0.10 (3.57%) to close at Rs 2.90.Furthermore, Ceylon Beverage Holdings announced an interim dividend of Rs 10.00 per share whilst Lanka Milkfoods announced the first and final dividend of Rs 1.25 per share.