The main stock index ended 0.43 percent weaker at 6,803.08, its lowest close since March 30.

"Market is down on lacklustre trade. Foreigners are exiting while the market is in the red zone while retail market is also dull," said Yohan Samarakkody, head of research at SC Securities (Pvt) Ltd.

Foreign investors sold a net 184.6 million rupees worth of shares on Monday, extending the year-to-date net foreign outflow to 3.94 billion rupees worth of equities.

Turnover stood at 557 million rupees ($3.88 million), around half of this year's daily average of 1.1 billion rupees.

Volatility swept through world markets on Monday with China's yuan hitting a fresh multi-year year low and oil's continued travails adding to nervousness before an expected hike in U.S. interest rates later this week.

Analysts say many investors and brokers will be on year-end holidays from next week due to Christmas.

Conglomerate John Keells Holdings Plc was down 1.08 percent, while Bukit Darah Plc fell 4.71 percent and Sri Lanka Telecom Plc eased 1.08 percent. ($1 = 143.4000 Sri Lankan rupees)

(reuters.com)