Sri Lankan shares ended steady on Thursday, near an eight-month low hit in the previous session, as losses in oil palm and telecommunications offset gains in banking and diversified stocks. The Colombo Stock Index ended 0.03 percent firmer at 6,323.52, edging up from its lowest close since April 11 touched on Wednesday. Trading was muted ahead of the holiday season, with turnover hitting a 10-month low.
Shares in Ceylinco Insurance Plc ended 2.9 percent up while those in Melstacorp Plc rose 1.9 percent. Sri Lanka Telecom Plc fell 1.4 percent while Hatton NationAl Bank Plc ended 0.7 percent weaker.
Turnover stood at 134.7 million rupees ($880,967.95), the lowest since February 1 and well below this year's daily average of 933.3 million rupees. Foreign investors net sold 79.6 million rupees worth of shares on Wednesday. They have net bought 18.3 billion rupees worth of equities so far this year.
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