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Indices close in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Distilleries, Dialog Axiata and Carson Cumberbatch with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.7bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20.

Crossings were witnessed in Lanka Milk Foods, Sunshine Holdings and Hemas Holdings, accounting for 54.0% of the turnover.

Mixed interest was observed in Commercial Credit & Finance, Sampath Bank and Lanka Milk Foods whilst retail interest was noted in LOLC Finance, Ceylon Land & Equity and Co-Operative Insurance Company.

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Lanka Milk Foods and Sunshine Holdings) whilst the sector index lost 1.41%. The share price of Lanka Milk Foods decreased by Rs. 0.10 (0.12%) to close at Rs. 83.00. The share price of Sunshine Holdings lost Rs. 0.30 (1.06%) to close at Rs. 28.00.

Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hayleys) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.88%. The share price of Hayleys recorded a gain of Rs. 0.50 (0.22%) to close at Rs. 223.00. Commercial Credit & Finance and Sampath Bank were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Commercial Credit & Finance moved down by Rs. 1.60 (1.69%) to close at Rs. 93.30. The share price of Sampath Bank declined by Rs. 0.75 (0.54%) to close at Rs. 139.25.