Sri Lanka, March 1 -- Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Hatton National Bank, Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.7 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Commercial Bank, Hemas Holdings and Sampath Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank, John Keells Holdings and Dialog Axiata whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing nonvoting, Nation Lanka Finance and Industrial Asphalts. Furthermore, foreigners closed as net buyers.

During the month, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 lost 3.8% and 3.6% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 3.44 Bn.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turn...