Week commences on a positive note

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Expolanka Holdings, Lanka IOC and Browns Investments with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.2 bn. 
Similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hatton National Bank. 
Mixed interest was observed in Expolanka Holdings, Softlogic Life Insurance and Lanka IOC whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, Softlogic Capital and LOLC Finance. 

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers. Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Softlogic Life Insurance) whilst the sector index lost 1.79%. The share price of Softlogic Life Insurance lost Rs. 9.25 (8.67%) to close at Rs. 97.50. 
Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Softlogic Capital and LOLC Finance) whilst the sector index increased by 1.62%. 

The share price of Softlogic Capital decreased by Rs. 1.80 (11.32%) to close at Rs. 14.10. The share price of LOLC Finance appreciated by Rs. 0.60 (8.70%) to close at Rs. 7.50. Expolanka Holdings and Browns Investments were also included among the top turnover contributors. 
The share price of Expolanka Holdings moved up by Rs. 20.50 (11.92%) to close at Rs. 192.50. The share price of Browns Investments recorded a gain of Rs. 0.40 (6.35%) to close at Rs. 6.70.