Sri Lanka, July 15 -- The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Melstacorp, Vallibel One and John Keells Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.0bn.

A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Lanka IOC, Ceylon Cold Stores and Hatton National Bank nonvoting.

Mixed interest was observed in Dipped Products, Sampath Bank and Commercial Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Co-Operative Insurance Company, Lanka Credit and Business Finance and LOLC Finance.

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 turn...