Week commences with foreign buying

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Hatton National Bank, Sampath Bank and Hayleys with the turnover crossing Rs. 376 Mn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hayleys Fabric and Lanka Milk Foods. Mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings, Hayleys and Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, Maharaja Foods 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 Hayleys) whilst the sector index lost 0.19%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs. 0.25 (0.13%) to close at Rs. 191.00. The share price of Hayleys lost Rs. 1.00 (0.98%) to close at Rs. 101.00.

Hayleys Fabric, Lanka Milk Foods and Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Hayleys Fabric moved up by Rs. 0.60 (1.29%) to close at Rs. 47.00. The share price of Lanka Milk Foods recorded a loss of Rs. 0.40 (1.42%) to close at Rs. 27.80. The share price of Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings appreciated by Rs. 1.10 (1.72%) to close at Rs. 65.00.