Indices close in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Ceylinco Insurance, LOLC Holdings and Royal Ceramics with the turnover crossing Rs 3.7 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. 
High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Watawala Plantations and Central Finance Company. Mixed interest was observed in Lanka IOC, Expolanka Holdings and CIC Holdings nonvoting whilst retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, Browns Investments and Kotagala Plantations. 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 Watawala Plantations) whilst the sector index lost 0.50%. 

The share price of Watawala Plantations increased by Rs 7.10 (8.05%) to close at Rs 95.30.
Materials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to CIC Holdings nonvoting) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.41%. The share price of CIC
Holdings nonvoting recorded a gain of Rs 1.50 (2.16%) to close at Rs 71.00. Lanka IOC, Expolanka Holdings and ACL Cables were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. 
The share price of Lanka IOC gained Rs 11.75 (4.72%) to close at Rs 260.50. The share price of Expolanka Holdings moved down by Rs 4.25 (1.85%) to close at Rs 225.75. The share price of ACL Cables declined by Rs 0.40 (0.49%) to close at Rs 81.70.