Sri Lankan shares fell on Monday as fears over the spreading Chinese virus continued to weigh on the global economy.

The All Share Price Index (ASPI) lost 0.95% or 56.66 points to close at 5,934.63 points, while the S&P SL20 dropped to 1.37% or 39.58 points to close at 2,843.43.

Market turnover was Rs.181.9 million.

Asian markets closed lower on Monday following the negative cues from Wall Street Friday amid concerns about the rapid spread as well as the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak that has infected more than 2,700 people and killed 80 people in China.

"Fears over the virus’ economic impact have gripped the stock market this week. All three major indexes—the Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq—are now set for their first weekly losses of 2020. Within the S&P 500, every single sector except for utilities declined on Friday, with healthcare and financial stocks leading the drop," according to Bloomberg data.