Foreign buying continues

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Ceylon Tobacco Company, SMB Leasing nonvoting and Dialog Axiata with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.3 bn.

 A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Lanka IOC and Hemas Holdings. 

Mixed interest was observed in Browns Investments, Sampath Bank and LOLC Finance whilst retail interest was noted in LVL Energy Fund rights, Renuka Agri Foods rights and Marawila Resorts. 

Furthermore, foreigners closed as net buyers. Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Hemas Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 0.28%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs. 1.00 (0.49%) to close at Rs. 207.00. 

The share price of Hemas Holdings closed flat at Rs. 88.50. Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Browns Investments) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.02%. 

The share price of Browns Investments closed flat at Rs. 6.30. Lanka IOC and Sampath Bank were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Lanka IOC lost Rs. 1.75 (1.33%) to close at Rs. 130.00. The share price of Sampath Bank declined by Rs. 0.20 (0.26%) to close at Rs. 77.80.