Indices close in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Ceylinco Holdings, Melstacorp and Commercial Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 3.7 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Hemas Holdings and Hatton National Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Access Engineering, Colombo Dockyard and Tokyo Cement Company, whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing nonvoting, SMB Leasing and Industrial Asphalts. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings, Access Engineering, Hemas Holdings and Colombo Dockyard) whilst the sector index lost 1.51%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs 0.30 (1.38%) to close at Rs 21.50. The share price of Access Engineering lost Rs 1.30 (1.79%) to close at Rs 71.30. The share price of Hemas Holdings moved down by Rs 0.50 (1.41%) to close at Rs 34.90. The share price of Colombo Dockyard recorded a loss of Rs 16.00 (3.73%) to close at Rs 412.75.

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index decreased by 1.72%. The share price of Hatton National Bank declined by Rs 5.75 (1.45%) to close at Rs 390.00.