Indices close in red

The ASPI edged down as a result of price losses in counters such as Richard Pieris & Company, Hatton National Bank and National Development Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 6.4 Bn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in red. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hatton National Bank, Resus Energy and Hemas Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Dankotuwa Porcelain, LVL Energy Fund and Panasian Power whilst retail interest was noted in Mackwoods Energy, Co-Operative Insurance Company and Hikkaduwa Beach Resort. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers.

Consumer Durables & Apparel sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Dankotuwa Porcelain) whilst the sector index lost 0.76%. The share price of Dankotuwa Porcelain decreased by Rs 5.60 (20.74%) to close at Rs 21.40.

Consumer Services sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover whilst the sector index increased by 1.95%.

LVL Energy Fund Limited, Panasian Power, John Keells Holdings and Hatton National Bank were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of LVL Energy Fund Limited gained Rs 0.40 (3.42%) to close at Rs 12.10. The share price of Panasian Power moved up by Rs 2.10 (11.67%) to close at Rs 20.10. The share price of John Keells Holdings recorded a loss of Rs 0.10 (0.44%) to close at Rs 22.70. The share price of Hatton National Bank declined by Rs 2.25 (0.57%) to close at Rs 395.00.