Indices close in red

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.1 bn. 
High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Expolanka Holdings, and John Keells Holdings. 
Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank, Capital Alliance and Softlogic Life Insurance whilst retail interest was noted in Softlogic Capital, People’s Leasing & Finance and UB Finance Company. 

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers. The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index lost 3.61%. The share price of Sampath Bank lost Rs. 1.80 (2.41%) to close at Rs. 72.80. 
Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Softlogic Capital and Capital Alliance) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.03%. The share price of Softlogic Capital increased by Rs. 0.50 (4.31%) to close at Rs. 12.10. 

The share price of Capital Alliance recorded a gain of Rs. 1.40 (2.37%) to close at Rs. 60.40. Expolanka Holdings and Softlogic Life Insurance were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. 
The share price of Expolanka Holdings moved down by Rs. 0.50 (0.34%) to close at Rs. 145.00. The share price of Softlogic Life Insurance appreciated by Rs. 5.00 (6.85%) to close at Rs. 78.00. Furthermore, Alumex and Bukit Darah announced their dividends of Rs. 0.25 and Rs. 1.80 per share respectively.