Indices close in red, with foreign buying

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Melstacorp, LOLC Holdings and Colombo Dockyard with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.0bn. 

A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Ceylon Cold Stores and Chevron Lubricants. 

Mixed interest was observed in Haycarb, HNB Finance and Colombo Dockyard whilst retail interest was noted in Hela Apparel Holdings, Waskaduwa Beach Resort and Industrial Asphalts. 

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) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.03%. The share price of John Keells Holdings closed flat at Rs. 20.00. 

Materials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Chevron Lubricants and Haycarb) whilst the sector index increased by 0.58%. The share price of Chevron Lubricants moved up by Rs. 0.50 (0.25%) to close at Rs. 199.50. 

The share price of Haycarb appreciated by Rs. 7.75 (5.24%) to close at Rs. 155.75. Ceylon Cold Stores and Pan Asia Banking Corporation were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Ceylon Cold Stores gained Rs. 3.50 (2.57%) to close at Rs. 139.75. 

The share price of Pan Asia Banking Corporation recorded a gain of Rs. 1.00 (1.84%) to close at Rs. 55.40.