ASPI records highest daily loss in 23 weeks

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Expolanka Holdings, Lanka IOC and Vallibel One with the turnover crossing Rs. 4.5 bn. 
A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. Market halted during the day due to the S&P SL20 index dropping over 5% from the previous close. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Dankotuwa Porcelain, LOLC Finance and CIC Holdings. 
Mixed interest was observed in Lanka IOC, Expolanka Holdings and ACL Cables whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing (voting and nonvoting), Browns Investments and Renuka Agri Foods. 

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers. 
Energy sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Lanka IOC) whilst the sector index lost 13.03%. The share price of Lanka IOC decreased by Rs. 37.50 (13.70%) to close at Rs. 236.25. 
Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to ACL Cables) whilst the sector index decreased by 4.90%. The share price of ACL Cables moved down by Rs. 9.05 (8.36%) to close at Rs. 99.20. 

Expolanka Holdings, Dankotuwa Porcelain and LOLC Finance were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Expolanka Holdings lost Rs 22.50 (11.41%) to close at Rs. 174.75. The share price of Dankotuwa Porcelain recorded a gain of Rs 1.50 (5.79%) to close at Rs. 27.40. The share price of LOLC Finance declined by Rs. 0.50 (6.02%) to close at Rs. 7.80.