ASPI continues losses

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Commercial Bank, DFCC Bank and Hatton National Bank with the turnover crossing Rs 1.0 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Sampath Bank, Lanka Milk Foods and Nations Trust Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Commercial Bank, John Keells Holdings and Royal Ceramics whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing, Browns Investments and Blue Diamonds Jewellery Worldwide. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover whilst the sector index lost 3.41%. The share price of Commercial Bank decreased by Rs 9.25 (8.20%) to close at Rs 103.50. The share price of Sampath Bank lost Rs 0.30 (0.39%) to close at Rs 77.50. The share price of Nations Trust Bank declined by Rs 0.50 (0.41%) to close at Rs 121.75.
The food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover whilst the sector index decreased by 0.48%. The share price of Lanka Milk Foods moved up by Rs 0.30 (0.98%) to close at Rs 30.80.
John Keells Holdings was also included among the top turnover contributors. The share price of John Keells Holdings recorded a loss of Rs 1.00 (0.48%) to close at Rs 206.00.
Royal Ceramic Lanka, Lanka Ceramic, Union Chemicals, Central Finance and Elpitiya plantations declared interim dividends of Rs. 0.90, Rs. 1.20, Rs. 27.00, Rs. 2.00 and Rs. 5.00 respectively.