Indices close in red

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as LOLC Holdings, Melstacorp and Hatton National Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 503 mn. 

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Hotels, Ceylon Tobacco Company and Dialog Axiata. 

Mixed interest was observed in Dialog Axiata, Sampath Bank and LB Finance whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, People’s Leasing & Finance and Citrus Leisure. 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 Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index lost 0.80%. The share price of Sampath Bank recorded a loss of Rs. 0.50 (0.65%) to close at Rs. 76.10. 
Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover whilst the sector index decreased by 0.61%. John Keells Hotels, Ceylon Tobacco Company, Dialog Axiata and LB Finance were also included amongst the top turnover contributors.

The share price of John Keells Hotels decreased by Rs. 0.30 (1.79%) to close at Rs. 16.50. The share price of Ceylon Tobacco Company lost Rs. 5.00 (0.40%) to close at Rs. 1,230.00. The share price of Dialog Axiata moved down by Rs. 0.10 (1.04%) to close at Rs. 9.50. The share price of LB Finance appreciated by Rs. 0.20 (0.30%) to close at Rs. 66.20.