Crossings account for 65% of turnover

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Dialog Axiata, Sri Lanka Telecom and Distilleries with the turnover crossing Rs 580 Mn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. Crossings were witnessed in Hatton National Bank, John Keells Holdings, Amana Takaful and Sampath Bank, accounting for 64.6% of the turnover. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in John Keells Holdings. Total foreign sales accounted for 51.1% of the turnover.

During the week, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 lost 0.43% and 0.20% respectively whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs 492 Mn.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank, Amana Takaful and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index lost 0.57%. The share price of Hatton National Bank lost Rs 1.50 (0.70%) to close at Rs 213.00. The share price of Amana Takaful closed flat at Rs 6.40. The share price of Sampath Bank recorded a loss of Rs 0.40 (0.17%) to close at Rs 230.00.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Hemas Holdings) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.03%. The share price of John Keells Holdings edged up by Rs 0.10 (0.06%) closing at Rs 154.10 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 906,067 shares. The share price of Hemas Holdings declined by Rs 0.50 (0.56%) to close at Rs 88.00.