Indices close in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Ceylinco Holdings, DFCC Bank and Hatton National Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.3 bn. 

A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hatton National Bank, John Keells Holdings and Melstacorp. 

Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank, Dialog Axiata and Browns Investments whilst retail interest was noted in Nation Lanka Finance, LOLC Finance and Waskaduwa Beach Resort. 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 Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index lost 1.98%. The share price of Hatton National Bank decreased by Rs. 5.75 (1.82%) to close at Rs. 310.00. 

The share price of Sampath Bank moved down by Rs. 2.25 (1.86%) to close at Rs. 118.50. Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 1.18%. The share price of John Keells Holdings lost Rs. 0.20 (0.95%) to close at Rs. 20.90. 
Dialog Axiata and Browns Investments were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Dialog Axiata closed flat at Rs. 13.60. The share price of Browns Investments declined by Rs. 0.10 (1.28%) to close at Rs.7.70.