ASPI loses 2.9% during the day

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as, Expolanka Holdings, Royal Ceramics and LOLC Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.5 bn.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Melstacorp. Mixed interest was observed in Expolanka Holdings, LOLC Holdings and Royal Ceramics whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, LOLC Finance and SMB Leasing voting & nonvoting. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

Transportation sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Expolanka Holdings) whilst the sector index lost 7.40%. The share price of Expolanka Holdings decreased by Rs. 16.25 (7.40%) to close at Rs. 203.25.

Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the second-highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Browns Investments) whilst the sector index decreased by 1.86%. The share price of Browns Investments lost Rs. 0.30 (3.61%) to close at Rs. 8.00.

LOLC Finance, LOLC Holdings and Softlogic Life Insurance were also included among the top turnover contributors. The share price of LOLC Finance moved down by Rs. 0.70 (7.14%) to close at Rs. 9.10. The share price of LOLC Holdings recorded a loss of Rs. 19.75 (3.55%) to close at Rs. 536.25. The share price of Softlogic Life Insurance declined by Rs. 5.40 (8.27%) to close at Rs. 59.90.

Furthermore, Ceylon Hospitals announced an interim dividend of Rs. 5.00 per share. Haycarb PLC, Ceylon Cold Stores, Keells Food Products, Dipped Products and Hemas Holdings announced their final dividends of Rs. 0.40, Rs 0.33, Rs. 0.50, Rs. 0.15 and Rs. 1.95 per share respectively.