Indices close in red

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Sampath Bank, National Development Bank and Hatton National Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 945 mn. 
High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hatton National Bank and John Keells Holdings. 
Mixed interest was observed in Commercial Bank, Lanka IOC and Expolanka Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, SMB Leasing and LOLC Finance. 

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers. 
The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank and Commercial Bank) whilst the sector index lost 1.86%. The share price of Hatton National Bank lost Rs. 2.00 (1.64%) to close at Rs. 120.00. The share price of Commercial Bank moved down by Rs. 0.20 (0.34%) to close at Rs. 58.00. 
Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.63%. The share price of John Keells Holdings closed flat at Rs. 139.50. 
Lanka IOC and Expolanka Holdings were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Lanka IOC recorded a loss of Rs. 0.25 (0.18%) to close at Rs. 140.00. The share price of Expolanka Holdings declined by Rs. 2.50 (1.68%) to close at Rs. 146.50.