Sri Lanka stocks close down 0.4-pct

Sept 17, 2013 (LBO) - Sri Lanka stocks closed 0.43 percent lower on dull investor sentiments with losses in groups such as Carsons, Cargills and Ceylon Tobacco, brokers said. The benchmark Colombo ASPI closed 24.86 points lower at 5,705.26, down 0.43 percent, and the S&P SL20 closed 18.34 percent lower at 3,161.90 down 0.58 percent.

Turnover was 913 million rupees in a day that 104 stocks lost ground and 65 gained. Brokers said investor sentiment was weak with liquidity tight amidst the recent debt issues.

Carson Cumberbatch PLC closed 21 rupees lower at 379.00 rupees for a turnover of 83.34 million and Cargills closed 11.70 rupees lower at 150.30 rupees generating a turnover of 923.2 million rupees.

Ceylon Tobacco closed 5.80 rupees lower at 1,079.20 rupees.

JKH gained 90 cents to close at 211.80 rupees and accounted for nearly 70 percent of the day;s turnover with two off market block trades. The stock had a turnover of 689.4 million rupees.

Orient Garments closed 40 cents lower at 6.00 rupees with over 9.5 million shares changing hands.

LOLC Securities said in a filing that Adam Investments had bought 5.4 million shares boosting their stake to 10 percent.

DIMO closed 50 cents higher at 463.50 rupees and Richard Pieris closed 20 cents lower at 5.90 rupees.

Alliance Finance closed 17.90 rupees higher at Rs. 897.90.

CIFL closed 10 cents lower at 80 cents.