Week begins on a negative note

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank and

John Keells Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 5.8 Bn.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Commercial Bank, ACL Cables and Colombo Dockyard. Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank, Lanka IOC and John Keells Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Co-Operative Insurance Company, Industrial Asphalts and LOLC Finance.

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index lost 3.45%. The share price of Commercial Bank decreased by Rs 8.75 (4.09%) to close at Rs 205.25. The share price of Sampath Bank lost Rs 5.25 (3.38%) to close at Rs 150.25.

Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to ACL Cables and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 3.82%. The share price of ACL Cables moved down by Rs 3.00 (3.07%) to close at Rs 94.60. The share price of John Keells Holdings recorded a loss of Rs 0.90 (4.29%) to close at Rs 20.10.

Lanka IOC was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Lanka IOC appreciated by Rs 1.75 (1.19%) to close at Rs 148.75.