Indices close in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Senkadagala Finance and Colombo Dockyard with the turnover crossing Rs. 6.3 Bn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 edged down. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in CIC Holdings, Lanka Milk Foods and Melstacorp. Mixed interest was observed in Teejay Lanka, Renuka Agri Foods and SMB Leasing whilst retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, SMB Leasing nonvoting and UB Finance Company. Furthermore, foreigners closed as net sellers.

Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Lanka Milk Foods and Melstacorp) whilst the sector index gained 0.58%. The share price of Lanka Milk Foods gained Rs 6.40 (9.08%) to close at Rs 76.90. The share price of Melstacorp moved up by Rs 2.50 (1.39%) to close at Rs 182.00.

Materials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to CIC Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.83%. The share price of CIC Holdings increased by Rs 0.70 (1.99%) to close at Rs 35.80.

Hemas Holdings and Teejay Lanka were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Hemas Holdings recorded a gain of Rs 0.10 (0.29%) to close at Rs 34.20. The share price of Teejay Lanka appreciated by Rs 0.30 (0.78%) to close at Rs 38.70.