Indices close in red while foreigners close as net buyers

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Nestle Lanka, John Keells Holdings and Commercial Bank with the turnover crossing Rs 1.3 Bn.

A similar behavior was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hemas Holdings while mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings, Hatton National Bank and Commercial Bank.

Furthermore, retail interest was noted in LOLC Holdings, Seylan Bank and Tokyo Cement Company. Moreover, foreigners closed as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in Hemas Holdings.

Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hemas Holdings and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index lost 2.74%. The

share price of Hemas Holdings decreased by Rs 1.70 (2.86%) closing at Rs 57.80 whilst foreign holdings increased by 1,716,077 shares. The share price of John Keells Holdings lost Rs 2.40 (2.17%) to close at Rs

108.10. The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton

National Bank, Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector

index decreased by 3.74%. The share price of Hatton

National Bank moved down by Rs 3.80 (3.52%) to close at Rs 104.30 while the share price of Commercial Bank recorded a loss of Rs 3.10 (4.19%) to close at Rs 70.80.

Furthermore, the share price of Sampath Bank declined by Rs 4.80 (3.96%) to close at Rs 116.40.