Sri Lanka shares end down 0.5-pct

Feb 06, 2012 (LBO) - Sri Lankan shares closed weaker Monday, falling for the fifth straight trading session with trades in Commercial Bank helping to prop up turnover, brokers said.

Environmental Resources Investments was also heavily traded, closing at 26.60 rupees, down 50 cents.

The market is closed Tuesday for a religious holiday. The main All Share Price Index closed down 0.

45 percent (24.96 points) at 5,561.43, while the more liquid Milanka index fell 0.

15 percent (7.13 points) to close at 4,805.99.

Turnover was 1.3 billion rupees, according to stock exchange provisional figures.

Index heavyweight John Keells Holdings closed at 167.

50 rupees, up 30 cents.

Commercial Bank, which accounted for the biggest turnover, closed at 102 rupees, up 1.

50 with over 8.5 million shares changing hands.

Nation Lanka Finance was the most actively traded stock and top gainer, closing at 12.

40 rupees, up 1.20.

Swarnamahal Financial Services was also actively traded, closing at 160.

60 rupees, up 3.10.