Indices close in red

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Dialog Axiata, John Keells Holdings and Melstacorp with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.9bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, CIC Holdings and Access Engineering. 

Mixed interest was observed in Dialog Axiata, Lanka Milk Foods and Colombo Dockyard whilst retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, Cooperative Insurance Company and LOLC Finance. 

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers. Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Colombo Dockyard) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.05%. 

The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs 0.20 (1.02%) to close at Rs 19.50. The share price of Colombo Dockyard appreciated by Rs 0.40 (4.82%) to close at Rs 8.70. Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Lanka Milk Foods) whilst the sector index increased by 0.28%. 

The share price of Lanka Milk Foods recorded a loss of Rs 0.25 (0.18%) to close at Rs 138.00. Singer Sri Lanka and Softlogic Capital were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Singer Sri Lanka lost Rs 0.80 (2.47%) to close at Rs 31.60. The share price of Softlogic Capital moved up by Rs 0.50 (0.55%) to close at Rs 91.40.