Crossings boost turnover

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Melstacorp, Hatton National Bank and LOLC Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.3 bn. 

Crossings were witnessed in Hatton National Bank, Pan Asia Banking Corporation and Sampath Bank accounting for 43.1% of the turnover. 

Mixed interest was observed in Access Engineering, Lanka Milk Foods and LB Finance whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing, LOLC Finance and Browns Investments. 

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers. The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank, Sampath Bank, Pan Asia Banking Corporation and Commercial Bank) whilst the sector index lost 0.36%. The share price of Hatton National Bank decreased by Rs. 2.75 (1.19%) to close at Rs. 228.00. 

The share price of Sampath Bank gained Rs. 0.50 (0.56%) to close at Rs. 89.90. The share price of Pan Asia Banking Corporation moved down by Rs. 0.10 (0.38%) to close at Rs. 26.20. 

The share price of Commercial Bank recorded a loss of Rs. 0.50 (0.43%) to close at Rs. 116.75. Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Lanka Milk Foods) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.12%. 

The share price of Lanka Milk Foods appreciated by Rs. 0.20 (0.63%) to close at Rs. 32.20. Furthermore, Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka and John Keells Holdings announced their interim dividends of Rs. 1.00 and Rs. 0.05 per share respectively.