Foreign buying continues

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Melstacorp, Sri Lanka Telecom and National Development Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.1 bn. 

A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings and Hayleys.  Mixed interest was observed in Sri Lanka Telecom, Nations Trust Bank and Lanka Tiles whilst retail interest was noted in LOLC Finance, Dialog Axiata and Browns Investments. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers. Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings, Hayleys and Lanka Tiles) whilst the sector index lost 0.41%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs 0.25 (0.13%) to close at Rs. 194.00. 

The share price of Hayleys lost Rs. 1.25 (1.23%) to close at Rs. 100.25. The share price of Lanka Tiles declined by Rs. 0.50 (0.99%) to close at Rs. 50.00. 

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Nations Trust Bank) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.47%. The share price of Nations Trust Bank recorded a gain of Rs. 1.00 (0.80%) to close at Rs. 125.00. Sri Lanka Telecom was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Sri Lanka Telecom moved down by Rs. 5.00 (6.57%) to close at Rs. 71.10.