Crossings boost turnover

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Ceylinco Holdings and Commercial Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 3.2 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20.

Crossings were witnessed in Agalawatte Plantations, Hatton National Bank, Chevron Lubricants, Sampath Bank, CT Holdings and John Keells Holdings accounting for 56.2% of the turnover. Mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings, Prime Lands Residencies and Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Nation Lanka Finance, Panasian Power and LOLC Finance. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Agalawatte Plantations and Browns Investments) whilst the sector index lost 0.61%.

The share price of Agalawatte Plantations decreased by Rs 0.10 (0.20%) to close at Rs 49.80. The share price of Browns Investments declined by Rs 0.10 (1.27%) to close at Rs 7.80.

Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 1.60%. The share price of John Keells Holdings lost Rs 0.50 (2.43%) to close at Rs 20.10.

Sampath Bank and Prime Lands Residencies were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Sampath Bank moved down by Rs 1.00 (0.91%) to close at Rs 109.00. The share price of Prime Lands Residencies recorded a gain of Rs 0.40 (3.28%) to close at Rs 12.60.