Indices fall after 5 sessions

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as LOLC Holdings, Commercial Bank and LOLC Finance with the turnover crossing Rs 4.1 bn. 
A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Kelsey Developments, Lion Brewery and Ceylon Cold Stores. 

Mixed interest was observed in Lanka IOC, Expolanka Holdings and CIC Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in LOLC Finance, Agstar and Browns Investments. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers. 
Energy sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Lanka IOC) whilst the sector index gained 9.53%. The share price of Lanka IOC increased by Rs. 21.00 (10.38%) to close at Rs. 223.25. 
Materials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to CIC Holdings voting and nonvoting) whilst the sector index increased by 2.26%. The share price of CIC Holdings voting recorded a gain of Rs. 5.20 (6.94%) to close at Rs. 80.10.

The share price of CIC Holdings nonvoting appreciated by Rs. 3.80 (6.83%) to close at Rs. 59.40. Expolanka Holdings and LOLC Finance were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. 

The share price of Expolanka Holdings lost Rs. 4.50 (2.04%) to close at Rs. 216.50. The share price of LOLC Finance moved down by Rs. 1.00 (9.43%) to close at Rs. 9.60. Laxapana Batteries announced a first interim dividend of Rs. 1 per share while Eastern Merchants announced a first and final dividend of Rs. 0.15 per share