Indices close in red

The ASPI edged down as a result of price losses in counters such as Aitken Spence, DFCC Bank and Ceylon Tobacco Company with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.5 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. Crossings were witnessed in Hemas Holdings, Windforce and Printcare accounting for 51.6% of the turnover. Mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings, Sampath Bank and Access Engineering whilst retail interest was noted in Cargills Bank, Ceylon Land & Equity and Browns Investments. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers.

Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hemas Holdings, John Keells Holdings and Access Engineering) whilst the sector index gained 0.24%. The share price of Hemas Holdings decreased by Rs 0.10 (0.30%) to close at Rs 32.90. The share price of John Keells

Holdings closed flat at Rs 20.30. The share price of Access Engineering appreciated by Rs 0.80 (1.04%) to close at Rs 77.90. The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.06%. The share price of Sampath Bank closed flat at Rs 142.50.

Windforce Limited was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Windforce Limited closed flat at Rs 41.00.