Week begins with foreign buying

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as C T Holdings, Hatton National Bank and Commercial Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.4 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Hayleys Fabric, and Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting. Mixed interest was observed in Hela Apparel Holdings, Balangoda Plantations and Maskeliya Plantations whilst retail interest was noted in Kotagala Plantations, Browns Investments and Waskaduwa Beach Resort. 

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers.

Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Balangoda Plantations) whilst the sector index lost 0.28%. The share price of Balangoda Plantations appreciated by Rs. 3.50 (6.39%) to close at Rs. 58.30.

Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.12%. The share price of John Keells Holdings closed flat at Rs. 197.00. Hayleys Fabric, Hela Apparel Holdings and Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Hayleys Fabric gained Rs. 1.60 (3.03%) to close at Rs. 54.40. The share price of Hela Apparel Holdings moved up by Rs. 1.00 (16.67%) to close at Rs. 7.00. The share price of Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting recorded a gain of Rs. 1.00 (2.22%) to close at Rs. 46.00.