Foreign buying for 3rd consecutive day

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Hatton National Bank, Sampath Bank and LOLC Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.5 bn. 

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank and National Development Bank. 

Mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings, Hayleys and JAT Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Beruwala Resorts, Kotagala Plantations and Browns Investments. 

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

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index gained 0.56%. The share price of Commercial Bank lost Rs. 0.50 (0.35%) to close at Rs. 143.00. The share price of Sampath Bank declined by Rs. 0.75 (0.66%) to close at Rs. 113.75. 

Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Hayleys) whilst the sector index increased by 0.44%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs. 0.10 (0.47%) to close at Rs. 21.10. The share price of Hayleys moved up by Rs. 0.25 (0.18%) to close at Rs. 141.00. 

Jat Holdings was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Jat Holdings recorded a gain of Rs. 0.30 (0.96%) to close at Rs. 31.60.