Sri Lanka, Oct. 14 -- The ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as Dialog Axiata, C T Holdings and Mercantile Investments & Finance with the turnover crossing Rs. 5.6 Bn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in red. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Gestetner Of Ceylon, Ceylon Land & Equity and Citizens Development Business Finance. Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank, HNB Finance and SMB Leasing whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing nonvoting, Renuka Agri Foods and Agstar.

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers. The Diversified Financials sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (...