Indices close in red

ASPI closed in red due to price losses in counters such as Hemas Holdings, Sri Lanka Telecom and Sampath Bank with turnover crossing Rs 491 Mn. Furthermore, S&P SL20 edged down during the day. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Hatton National Bank, John Keells Holdings and Sampath Bank. Retail interest was noted in Lankem Developments. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchases in Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank. Total foreign purchases accounted for 53.7% of turnover.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank, Sampath Bank and Central Finance Company) whilst the sector index lost 0.17%. The share price of Hatton National Bank increased by Rs 1.00 (0.40%) closing at Rs 253.00 whilst foreign holdings increased by 500,000 shares. The share price of Sampath Bank moved down by Rs 2.90 (0.90%) closing at Rs 317.80 whilst foreign holdings increased by 155,000 shares. The share price of Central Finance Company closed flat at Rs 100.00.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Melstacorp) whilst the sector index increased by 0.23%. The share price of John Keells Holdings gained Rs 1.70 (1.07%) to close at Rs 160.00. The share price of Melstacorp recorded a gain of Rs 0.50 (0.83%) to close at Rs 60.60.