Sri Lanka stocks end down 0.6-pct

Nov 01, 2011 (LBO) - Sri Lankan shares closed lower Tuesday with a large transaction in Hayleys boosting turnover, brokers said. The main All Share Price Index fell 0.59 percent (37.40 points) to 6,281.85, while the more liquid Milanka index dropped 0.48 percent (27.13 points) to close at 5,604.15, according to stock exchange figures.

Turnover was 1.26 billion rupees.

Hayleys accounted for the day's highest turnover, closing at 371 rupees, up three, with 2.2 million shares traded, generating 836.7 million rupees in turnover. It hit a high of 385 rupees during the day.

Hayleys biggest single shareholder Dhammika Perera has been increasing his stake in the conglomerate recently.

John Keells Holdings closed at 188.10 rupees, down a rupee, with 267,200 shares traded, including the sole crossing or off-market private deal of the day of 200,000 shares at 189 rupees each.

HVA Foods was the second most actively traded stock, closing at 41.20 rupees, up 1.70, with 532,600 shares done.

Galadari Hotels closed at 30.80 rupees, down 10 cents.

Industrial Asphalts (Ceylon) was the day's biggest loser, closing at 509.30 rupees, down 139.90 rupees, with 700 shares traded.

Central Investments & Finance was the most actively traded stock, closing at 9.70 rupees, up 50 cents, with 1.47 million shares done. It hit a high of 10.30 during the day.