Sri Lanka, March 5 -- The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Ceylinco Holdings, DFCC Bank and Hatton National Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.3 bn.

A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hatton National Bank, John Keells Holdings and Melstacorp.

Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank, Dialog Axiata and Browns Investments whilst retail interest was noted in Nation Lanka Finance, LOLC Finance and Waskaduwa Beach Resort. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton Nat...