Sri Lanka *market update* ASPI close almost flat;Turnover low

The market closed today posting a turnover of LKR 294,312,539 (USD 1.9mn) with the indexes moving up. ASPI closed at 6420.78 up 3.23 points (+0.05%) while the more liquid SP SL20 index closed at 3593.65 up 5.20 points (+0.14%). Crossings accounted for 25% of the turnover with one crossing each in JKH.N (LKR 51mn; USD 345k) and COMB.N (LKR 24mn; USD 166k). Banking, Finance and Insurance Sector was the highest contributor towards the turnover at LKR 65mn followed by Diversified sector and Plantations sector generating LKR 63mn and LKR 47mn. Foreign investors were net buyers of LKR 14mn worth of shares, while their participation in terms of revenue increased to 19.6% (previous day 16.1%). Estimated net foreign buying topped in SINS.N LKR 12.6mn (USD 85k). Estimated net foreign selling topped in TJL.N LKR 5.4mn (USD 37k). Retail activity was witnessed in counters such as AEL.N, TJL.N and TAJ.N