Sri Lankan stocks fell to a seven-week closing low on Wednesday led by bluechips and large-caps as investors awaited directions from the 2014 budget, which will be presented later this week. The main stock index closed 0.27 percent, or 15.62 points, weaker at 5,793.53, its lowest level since October 1.
Shares in top fixed-line phone operator Sri Lanka Telecom fell 2.36 percent to 37.30 rupees, diversified conglomerate Carson Cumberbatch PLC lost 2.13 percent to 372 rupees, while Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC ended 0.89 percent weaker at 1,060.00 rupees. The day's turnover was 486.4 million rupees ($3.71 million), lower than this year's daily average of around 855.4 million rupees.