Sri Lanka, April 17 -- Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank and Hatton National Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.4 bn.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Lanka IOC, John Keells Holdings and John Keells Hotels.

Mixed interest was observed in Ambeon Capital, Browns Investments and LOLC Finance whilst retail interest was noted in Hikkaduwa Beach Resort Rights, Lanka Credit and Business Finance and Industrial Asphalts.

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers. The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover whilst the sector index lost 3.37%.

Diversifie...