The Colombo Stock Exchange closed lower on Thursday, with the broader All Share Index falling by 0.52 percent, or 62.03 points, to 11,768. The more liquid S&P SL20 Index declined by 0.51 percent, or 17.48 points, to 3,439.
Turnover reached 1.1 billion rupees, with significant contributions from John Keells Holdings Plc, which saw a turnover of 594 million rupees but closed lower at 194.00 rupees per share. Hayleys Plc also played a major role, contributing 76 million rupees to the turnover, and closed down at 100.25 rupees per share.
Foreign transactions included buying in John Keells and selling in Hayleys, accounting for 39 percent of the total turnover. Despite initial buying interest, market momentum slowed, resulting in a decline by the end of the day.
Among the companies reporting interim results, Lanka IOC Plc posted a profit of 3.8 billion rupees due to increased revenue from fuel sales and bunkering, with its share closing up at 120.50 rupees. Other companies reporting first-quarter results included Tal Lanka Hotels Plc and LB Finance Plc, which closed lower at 18.00 and 66.80 rupees, respectively.
Top contributors to the ASPI included Aitken Spence Plc, Cargills (Ceylon) Plc, and Nation Lanka Finance Plc, which saw increases in their share prices. The market experienced a net foreign inflow of 454 million rupees.