Indices close in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Commercial Bank, Melstacorp and Lion Brewery with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.4 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hemas Holdings, Access Engineering and John Keells Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Melstacorp, Industrial Asphalts and Hayleys whilst retail interest was noted in Waskaduwa Beach Resort, Browns Investments and LVL Energy Fund. 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 Hemas Holdings, Access Engineering and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index lost 0.85%.

The share price of Hemas Holdings decreased by Rs 0.50 (1.54%) to close at Rs 32.00. The share price of Access

Engineering lost Rs 0.50 (0.65%) to close at Rs 77.00. The share price of John Keells Holdings recorded a loss of Rs 0.10 (0.50%) to close at Rs 19.90.

Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the mar ket turnover (due to Melstacorp) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.65%. The share price of Melstacorp decreased by Rs 1.75 (0.93%) to close at Rs 186.00.

Industrial Asphalts was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Industrial Asphalts declined by Rs 0.10 (12.50%) to close at Rs 0.70.