Indices close in red

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Sampath Bank, Hayleys and John Keells Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 4.9bn.

Crossings were witnessed in Softlogic Life Insurance, Hatton National Bank and LOLC Holdings, accounting for 66.4% of the turnover. 

Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank nonvoting, Commercial Bank and Overseas Realty whilst retail interest was noted in ACME Printing & Packaging, HNB Finance and Lanka Credit and Business Finance. 

Furthermore, foreigners remained active, closing as net sellers. Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Softlogic Life Insurance) whilst the sector index lost 1.46%. The share price of Softlogic Life Insurance increased by Rs. 1.20 (1.30%) to close at Rs. 93.20. 

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank, Hatton National Bank nonvoting and Commercial Bank) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.75%. The share price of Hatton National Bank lost Rs. 3.50 (0.87%) to close at Rs. 400.00. The share price of Hatton National Bank nonvoting moved down by Rs. 1.00 (0.30%) to close at Rs. 334.00.

The share price of Commercial Bank declined by Rs. 1.25 (0.61%) to close at Rs. 205.00. LOLC Holdings was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of LOLC Holdings recorded a loss of Rs. 6.25 (1.11%) to close at Rs. 557.75.