Sri Lankan stocks fell on Wednesday after recording new life highs three days in a row, as retail investors took profits, brokers said.
The key Colombo all-share index ended down 1.03 percent, or 15.14 points, at 1,460.36 from Tuesday's life high of 1,475.49.
Total market turnover was 709.1 million rupees with foreign sales of 45 million rupees and foreign purchases of 35.4 million rupees.
Conglomerate John Keells Holdings Ltd fell 0.44 percent to 112 rupees despite moderate foreign buying.
"Institutional investments are poor these days and retailers are driving up stocks below 30 rupees to get quick gains like we saw today," said one broker.
Some property stocks fell after a heavy run on Tuesday. Property Development Ltd led activity, falling 22.48 percent to 25 rupees.
Kelsey Developments Ltd was down 18.92 percent at 15 rupees.
Colombo Fort Land and Building Co Ltd fell 13.71 percent to 26.75 rupees on foreign selling of 17 million rupees worth of shares and retail profit-taking.