Indices close in red

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Dialog Axiata and Sampath Bank, with the turnover crossing Rs 1.0 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Panasian Power and Commercial Bank.

Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank nonvoting and Tokyo Cement Company whilst retail interest was noted in People’s Leasing & Finance and

Access Engineering. Furthermore, foreigners closed as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in John Keells Holdings and Commercial Bank.

Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Hemas Holdings) whilst the sector index lost 1.21%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs 1.90 (1.65%) closing at Rs 113.00 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 977,083 shares. The share price of Hemas Holdings declined by Rs 0.40 (0.67%) to close at Rs 59.60.

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank and Hatton

National Bank nonvoting) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.72%. The share price of Commercial Bank moved up by Rs 0.10 (0.13%) closing at Rs 76.60 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 590,775 shares. The share price of Hatton National Bank nonvoting recorded a loss of Rs 1.30 (1.50%) to close at Rs 85.20. Panasian Power was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Panasian Power gained Rs 0.10 (3.23%) to close at Rs 3.20.