Sri Lankan shares fell for a second straight session on Tuesday (28), as fears over the spreading Chinese virus continued to weigh on the global economy.

The All Share Price Index (ASPI) dropped to 0.84% or 49.82 points to close at 5,884.81 points, while the S&P SL20 dropped to 0.90% or 25.70 points to close at 2,817.73.

Market turnover was Rs.256 million.

John Keells Holdings PLC was down Rs.3.40 to Rs.160.50 a share, Ceylon Tobacco Company Plc fell Rs.20 to Rs.1,080 a share, contributing most to ASPI’s fall.

Asia Stocks tumbled on Monday as concerns mounted that the outbreak of coronavirus that began in China could take a toll on the global economy.

The virus has sickened thousands of people and killed more than a hundred. As NPR's Scott Horsley reports, there are signs that financial fallout, like the virus itself, might not be easily contained.