Foreign sales account for 66% of turnover

Both ASPI and S&P SL20 closed in red due to price losses in counters such as Sri Lanka Telecom, Commercial Credit & Finance and Ceylon Cold Stores with turnover crossing Rs 830 Mn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Dialog Axiata, Aitken Spence, Lion Brewery and Nestle Lanka. Mixed interest was observed in Access Engineering whilst retail interest was noted in Commercial Credit & Finance. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in Aitken Spence. Total foreign sales accounted for 65.9% of turnover.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Aitken Spence and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index lost 0.35%. The share price of Aitken Spence closed flat at Rs 65.00 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 2,903,799 shares. The share price of John Keells Holdings declined by Rs 0.40 (0.26%) to close at Rs 151.10.

Telecommunications sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Dialog Axiata) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.83%. The share price of Dialog Axiata closed flat at Rs 10.50.

Nestle Lanka and Lion Brewery were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Nestle Lanka closed flat at Rs 2,050.00. The share price of Lion Brewery closed flat at Rs 490.00.