Sri Lanka stocks end down 0.9-pct

Aug 05, 2011 (LBO) - Sri Lankan stocks closed lower Friday as Asian and European markets plunged on renewed recession fears, brokers said.

The benchmark All Share Price Index ended down 0.

86 percent or 58.49 points at 6,751.29, while the Milanka Index of more liquid stocks closed down 1.03 percent (64.26 points) at 6,152.23, according to stock exchange provisional figures.

Turnover was 1.1 billion rupees. There were 43 gainers and 184 losers.

Tokyo Cement (non-voting) shares were the main contributor to the day’s turnover, closing at 41 rupees, down 30 cents or 0.

73 percent, with 1.9 million shares worth 80 million rupees changing hands.

Central Finance was the second largest contributor to the day’s turnover, closing at 1,389 rupees, down 11.

20 rupees or 0.80 percent, with 48,900 shares worth 68 million rupees changing hands.

This included a crossing or off-market negotiated deal of 25,000 shares at 1,400 rupee per share.

John Keells Holdings closed at 196.

80 rupees, down 90 cents or 0.46 percent with 277,000 shares traded generating 54 million rupees.

Eastern Merchants was the day’s highest percentage gainer and closed at 3,110.00 rupees, up 1,023.50 or 51.11 percent.

Lanka Ashok was the day’s highest percentage-wise loser and closed at 5,500 rupees, down 418 rupees or 43.

24 percent.