Crossings account for 21.9% of the turnover

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Hayleys, C T Holdings and Sampath Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 3.8 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Ceylon Tobacco Company and People’s Leasing & Finance. Mixed interest was observed in Vallibel One, LB Finance and Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Nation Lanka Finance, LOLC Finance and HNB Finance. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers.

The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Vallibel One) whilst the sector index lost 1.42%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs 0.20 (0.92%) to close at Rs 21.60. The share price of Vallibel One gained Rs 0.70 (0.89%) to close at Rs 79.30.

The Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to LB Finance) whilst the sector index decreased by 1.44%. The share price of LB Finance declined by Rs 0.75 (0.63%) to close at Rs 119.25.

Sampath Bank and Ceylon Tobacco Company were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Sampath Bank moved down by Rs 1.75 (1.44%) to close at Rs 120.00. The share price of Ceylon Tobacco Company recorded a loss of Rs 8.25 (0.57%) to close at Rs 1,441.75.