Indices lose over 1% for the day

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Ceylon Tobacco Company, Hemas Holdings and Sri Lanka Telecom with the turnover crossing Rs 297 Mn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Sampath Bank, John Keells Holdings, Lanka Milk Foods and Melstacorp. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in Sampath Bank. Total foreign sales accounted for 48.3% of the turnover.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank and Commercial Bank) whilst the sector index lost 1.21%.

The share price of Sampath Bank decreased by Rs 1.60 (0.67%) closing at Rs 237.00 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 174,429 shares. The share price of Commercial Bank edged down by Rs 0.10 (0.09%) to close at Rs 114.00.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Melstacorp) whilst the sector index decreased by 1.59%. The share price of John Keells Holdings lost Rs 1.40 (1.08%) to close at Rs 128.10.

The share price of Melstacorp closed flat at Rs 50.00.

Lanka Milk Foods was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Lanka Milk Foods moved down by Rs 5.10 (3.35%) to close at Rs 147.10.