ASPI closes in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Aitken Spence, Richard Pieris & Company and Sampath Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.4 bn. 

Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 edged down. High net worth and institutional investor participation were noted in Hayleys Fabric, Teejay Lanka and John Keells Holdings. 

Mixed interest was observed in Browns Investments, Resus Energy and Hatton National Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Renuka Agri Foods, Co-operative Insurance and LOLC Finance. 

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers. The capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover whilst the sector index edged down by 0.08%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs. 1.00 (0.50%) to close at Rs. 203.00. 

The consumer Durables & Apparel sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover whilst the sector index increased by 1.45%. The share price of Hayleys Fabric gained Rs. 1.00 (2.38%) to close at Rs. 43.00. The share price of Teejay Lanka moved up by Rs. 0.50 (1.30%) to close at Rs. 39.00. 

Hatton National Bank and Resus Energy were also included among the top turnover contributors. The share price of Hatton National Bank recorded a loss of Rs. 0.25 (0.13%) to close at Rs. 195.00. 

The share price of Resus Energy appreciated by Rs. 1.60 (7.27%) to close at Rs. 23.60. C T Holdings Company and Cargills (Ceylon) Company declared interim dividends of Rs. 8.50 and Rs.10.50 respectively.