Week begins with foreign buying

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Melstacorp, Hatton National Bank and Commercial Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.4 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in C T Holdings, Cargills and John Keells Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Dipped Products, Access Engineering and Commercial Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Lanka Walltiles, Hela Apparel Holdings and Watawala Plantations. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers.

Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings, Colombo Dockyard and Access Engineering) whilst the sector index lost 0.59%. The share price of John Keells Holdings lost Rs 0.10 (0.42%) to close at Rs 23.60. The share price of Colombo Dockyard recorded a loss of Rs 13.20 (14.03%) to close at Rs 80.90. The share price of Access Engineering appreciated by Rs 0.20 (0.43%) to close at Rs 47.20.

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.71%. The share price of Sampath Bank decreased by Rs 0.25 (0.20%) to close at Rs 125.75.

Vallibel Finance was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Vallibel Finance moved up by Rs 1.75 (1.66%) to close at Rs 107.00.