Sri Lanka stocks close down 0.22-pct

May 21, 2015 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s stocks closed down 0.22 percent with investors taking profits and losses in the food and beverage stocks, brokers said. The Colombo benchmark All Share Price Index closed 16.08 points lower at 7,273.69 down 0.22 percent. The S&P SL20 closed 10.55 points lower at 4,062.97 down 0.26 percent. Turnover was 1.7 billion rupees with 80 stocks closing positive against 108 negative. “Some profit taking was seen and the prevailing political uncertinity also has been affecting the trading activities,” Lanka Securities said. “Losses were recorded in the index heavy food and beverage stocks.” Carson and Cumberbatch closed at 401.50, down 13.50 rupees and Nestle closed at 205.00 rupees, down 235.00 rupees. The top contributor to turnover was Sampath Bank closing at 268.00, up 3.10 rupees with three off the floor trades totaling 600,000 shares recorded between 265.00 – 265.50 rupees.