Sri Lanka *market update* ASPI close down 0.2-pct, DCSL and CTC losses

The ASPI declined sharply mainly due to price dips in Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka, Ceylon Tobacco Company, C T Holdings, Asiri Hospital Holdings and Cargills Ceylon. The day’s total turnover was recorded at moderate levels with Commercial Bank of Ceylon (Voting) contributing the majority to the day’s total turnover with the assistance of three crossings. Foreign investors were net buyers during the day. The All Share Price Index lost 15.4 points to close at 6,492.7 (-0.2%), while the S&P SL20 Index lost 7.5 points to close at 3,582.8 (-0.2%). Total turnover for the day stood at LKR 749.9mn (USD 5,163.9k) vs. 12-months average daily turnover of LKR 914.7mn (USD 6,298.9k), whilst the volume traded for the day was 29,493k against the 12-month average daily volume of 36,017k. Top contributory counters towards the day’s turnover were Commercial Bank of Ceylon (Voting) LKR 308.5mn (USD 2,124.1k, +1.4%), Chevron Lubricants Lanka LKR 87.0mn (USD 599.2k, -0.4%), John Keells Holdings (Warrant 23) LKR 48.3mn (USD 332.7k, -11.4%), Sampath Bank LKR 30.2mn (USD 207.7k, +0.4%), John Keells Holdings (Voting) LKR 29.9mn (USD 206.2k, +0.1%). Foreign purchases amounted to LKR 449.1mn (USD 3,092.5k), whilst foreign sales amounted to LKR 41.8mn (USD 287.8k). This resulted in a net foreign inflow of LKR 407.3mn being recorded at the end of the day’s trading.