Week begins in red

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank and John Keells Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.4 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Capital Alliance Holdings

Limited, Dialog Axiata and Hatton National Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank, East West Properties and Access Engineering whilst retail interest was noted in Nation Lanka Finance, Waskaduwa Beach Resort and HNB Finance. 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 Hatton National Bank and Sampath

Bank) whilst the sector index lost 2.04%. The share price of Hatton National Bank decreased by Rs 2.50 (0.78%) to close at Rs 317.50. The share price of Sampath Bank lost Rs 3.25 (2.68%) to close at Rs 118.00.

The Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Access Engineering and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 2.27%. The share price of Access Engineering recorded a loss of Rs 1.40 (3.42%) to close at Rs 39.50. The share price of John Keells Holdings declined by Rs 0.50 (2.31%) to close at Rs 21.10.

East West Properties was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of East West Properties moved up by Rs 2.20 (11.11%) to close at Rs 22.00.