Foreign sales account for 46% of turnover

ASPI edged down due to price losses in counters such as Dialog Axiata, Ceylinco Insurance and Lanka Orix Leasing Company whilst S&P SL20 witnessed a similar trajectory. Turnover crossed Rs 664 Mn for the day. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Distilleries, Nestle Lanka, Dialog Axiata and John Keells Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Textured Jersey Lanka whilst retail i nterest was noted in Hayleys Fabric and Swisstek. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers. Total foreign sales accounted for 45.5% of turnover.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst t he sector index gained 0.32%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs 1.70 (1.01%) to close at Rs 169.90.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover whilst the sector index decreased by 0.27%.

Hayleys Fabric, Distilleries, ACL Cables and Nestle Lanka were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Hayleys Fabric gained Rs 0.70 (3.50%) to close at Rs 20.70. The share price of Distilleries moved up by Rs 0.50 (0.18%) to close at Rs 274.50. The share price of ACL Cables recorded a gain of Rs 3.60 (3.01%) to close at Rs 123.40. The share price of Nestle Lanka closed flat at Rs 2,100.00.