Sri Lankan stocks fell on Monday as investors skimmed profits on second tier shares after the bourse hit a new all-time closing high last week, brokers said. The key Colombo all-share index fell a provisional 0.69 percent, or 11.96 points, to 1,733.19 points. The bourse hit a life closing high of 1,743.5 points on Thursday. The bourse has gained nearly 15 percent so far this year, boosted by corporate quarterly earnings and gains in the construction sector - which is seen benefiting from post-tsunami rebuilding.
"There seemed to be an overall selling trend. A bit of profit taking on midcap stocks and not much buying support today," said Naren Godamunne at DFCC Stock Brokers. Property developer Ceylinco Seylan Development Ltd fell 2.08 percent to 11.75 rupees.
Capital markets operator Vanik Incorporation Ltd fell 14.29 percent to 1.50 rupees.
Floor tile manufacturer Royal Ceramics Lanka Ltd closed flat at 5.25 rupees despite heavy foreign buying. The Milanka index - which tracks the most liquid and highly capitalised stocks - fell a provisional 0.66 percent, or 15.56 points, to 2,342.36 points.
Total market turnover was 633.2 million rupees with 41 million rupees of foreign purchases and 64 million rupees of foreign sales.
The stock exchange will remain closed on Tuesday for a Hindu religious festival. Trading will resume on Wednesday.