Sri Lanka, March 27 -- The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Ceylinco Holdings, John Keells Holdings and Hatton National Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.6 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hatton National Bank, Vallibel One and Richard Pieris & Company.

Mixed interest was observed in Ceylon Cold Stores, Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Nation Lanka Finance, Hela Apparel Holdings and John Keells Holdings. 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 turno...