Foreign buying accounts for 39% of turnover

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Dialog Axiata, Commercial Bank and Hatton National Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.8 bn. 

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hatton National Bank, John Keells Holdings and Hayleys Fabric. 

Mixed interest was observed in Nations Trust Bank, JAT Holdings and Richard Pieris & Company, whilst retail interest was noted in Nation Lanka Finance, Browns Investments and Prime Lands Residencies. 

Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers. Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index lost 0.48%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs. 1.00 (0.49%) to close at Rs. 204.00. 

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank and Nations Trust Bank) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.59%. 

The share price of Hatton National Bank lost Rs. 1.50 (0.74%) to close at Rs. 200.25. The share price of Nations Trust Bank moved up by Rs. 3.25 (2.48%) to close at Rs. 134.25. 

Hayleys Fabric and JAT Holdings were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Hayleys Fabric recorded a gain of Rs. 1.40 (3.15%) to close at Rs. 45.90. The share price of Jat Holdings appreciated by Rs. 0.90 (4.37%) to close at Rs. 21.50.