Foreign purchases account for 51% of turnover

Price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Cargills and Lanka Ashok Leyland resulted in ASPI closing in red whilst turnover crossed Rs 422 Mn. Similar behavior was witnessed in S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Hatton National Bank nonvoting and Alumex. Mixed interest was observed in Richard Pieris & Company, Textured Jersey Lanka and Access Engineering whilst retail interest was noted in Asia Asset Finance. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in Hatton National Bank nonvoting and Richard Pieris & Company. Total foreign purchases accounted for 51.1% of turnover.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank nonvoting) whilst the sector index lost 0.40%. The share price of Hatton National Bank nonvoting increased by Rs 1.00 (0.57%) closing at Rs 176.00 whilst foreign holdings increased by 833,143 shares.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Richard Pieris & Company) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.30%. The share price of John Keells Holdings lost Rs 2.10 (1.30%) to close at Rs 159.10. The share price of Richard Pieris & Company moved up by Rs 0.30 (3.70%) closing at Rs 8.40 whilst foreign holdings increased by 3,000,000 shares.

Alumex and Textured Jersey Lanka were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Alumex recorded a loss of Rs 0.30 (1.67%) to close at Rs 17.70. The share price of Textured Jersey Lanka closed flat at Rs 37.00.

Furthermore, Browns Hydro Power announced its interim dividend of Rs 0.30 per share.