Sri Lanka stocks end slightly weaker

Nov 09, 2011 (LBO) - Sri Lankan stocks closed slightly weaker in thin trade Wednesday, falling steeply after opening and then recovering as buyers came in but the gains petering off towards the end, brokers said. The main All Share Price Index fell 0.08 percent (5.14 points) to 6,316.87, while the more liquid Milanka index fell 0.13 percent (7.08 points) to close at 5,634.25, according to stock exchange figures.

Turnover was 619 million rupees.

Trading in index heavyweight John Keells Holdings accounted for the highest turnover. It closed at 193.10 rupees, down 1.40, with 514,800 shares traded.

The sole crossing or off-market private deal was 150,000 Chevron Lubricants Lanka shares at 170 rupees each. It closed at 170.20, up 3.50 rupees.

HVA Foods was the most actively traded stock, closing at 42.40 rupees, up 1.40, after hitting a high of 44 rupees, with 688,500 shares done.

Colombo Land & Development Company was the second most actively traded stock, closing at 57.10 rupees, down 10 cents.

Hotel Developers, the owning company of Hilton Colombo, was the biggest loser, closing at 94.80 rupees, down 27.70 rupees with 134,100 shars traded.

Lanka Ashok Leyland was the biggest gainer of the day, closing at 3,700 rupees, up 700 rupees, with only 200 shares traded.