ASPI closes in red

The ASPI edged down as a result of price losses in counters such as Hatton National Bank, R I L Property and Dialog Axiata with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.0 bn. 

Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 edged up. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Windforce, Ceylon Cold Stores and Singhe Hospitals. 

Mixed interest was observed in Dialog Axiata, HNB Assurance and Hayleys Fibre whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing, Hikkaduwa Beach Resort and ACME Printing & Packaging. 

Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers. Telecommunication Services sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Dialog Axiata) whilst the sector index lost 0.39%. The share price of Dialog Axiata decreased by Rs. 0.60 (1.30%) to close at Rs. 45.50. 

Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Ceylon Cold Stores) whilst the sector index increased by 0.81%. The share price of Ceylon Cold Stores moved down by Rs. 2.25 (1.66%) to close at Rs. 133.00. Windforce Limited, HNB Assurance and Singhe Hospitals were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. 

The share price of Windforce Limited gained Rs. 0.20 (0.49%) to close at Rs. 41.00. The share price of HNB Life recorded a gain of Rs. 5.50 (3.78%) to close at Rs. 151.00. The share price of Singhe Hospitals appreciated by Rs. 0.10 (0.41%) to close at Rs. 24.50.