Turnover crosses Rs. 1 bn

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Ceylon Tobacco Company, Sampath Bank and Commercial Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.1 bn.

A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Richard Pieris & Company, John Keells Holdings and Ceylon Tobacco Company. 

Mixed interest was observed in Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank and Chevron Lubricants whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, LOLC Finance and Dialog Axiata. 

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers. 
Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Richard Pieris & Company) whilst the sector index lost 0.13%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs. 0.50 (0.30%) to close at Rs. 167.00. 

The share price of Richard Pieris & Company gained Rs. 1.00 (5.26%) to close at Rs. 20.00. The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.73%. 

The share price of Commercial Bank recorded a loss of Rs. 1.00 (1.18%) to close at Rs. 83.70. The share price of Hatton National Bank declined by Rs. 1.50 (0.91%) to close at Rs. 163.50. Ceylon Tobacco Company was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Ceylon Tobacco Company moved down by Rs. 46.50 (3.84%) to close at Rs. 1,163.50.