Sri Lanka, March 19 -- The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Ceylinco Holdings, Commercial Bank and Hatton National Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.7 bn.

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

Mixed interest was observed in Vallibel One, Hatton National Bank and CIC Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing, Industrial Asphalts and Hikkaduwa 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 Samp...