Foreign buying continues

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Melstacorp, National Development Bank and Sampath Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.2 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Sampath Bank, Access Engineering and Hayleys. Mixed interest was observed in Browns Investments, John Keells Holdings and Lankem Developments whilst retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, HNB Finance rights and Hela Apparel Holdings. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers.

Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hayleys and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index lost 1.20%. The share price of Hayleys lost Rs 2.50 (1.82%) to close at Rs 135.00. The share price of John Keells Holdings recorded a loss of Rs 0.20 (0.97%) to close at Rs 20.50.

Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Browns Investments and Lankem Developments) whilst the sector index decreased by 1.30%. The share price of Browns Investments moved down by Rs 0.20 (2.60%) to close at Rs 7.50. The share price of Lankem Developments declined by Rs 3.00 (15.23%) to close at Rs 16.70.

Sampath Bank was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Sampath Bank decreased by Rs 2.00 (1.66%) to close at Rs 118.75.