Week starts in red with poor turnover

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank and Hatton National Bank with the turnover crossing Rs 569 Mn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in National Development Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Expolanka Holdings, Sri Lanka Telecom and Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, SMB Leasing nonvoting and Browns Investments. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers.

Transportation sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Expolanka Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 6.69%. The share price of Expolanka Holdings increased by Rs 9.25 (6.70%) to close at Rs 147.25. 
The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to National Development Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index decreased by 2.59%. The share price of National Development Bank lost Rs 0.60 (1.34%) to close at Rs 44.30. The share price of Sampath Bank recorded a loss of Rs 1.50 (2.86%) to close at Rs 51.00.

Sri Lanka Telecom and Lanka IOC were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Sri Lanka Telecom moved down by Rs 3.10 (3.30%) to close at Rs 90.90. The share price of Lanka IOC declined by Rs 0.25 (0.15%) to close at Rs 171.25.