Indices in green as turnover crosses Rs. 2.1bn

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Hemas Holdings and Distilleries whilst turnover crossed Rs 2.1 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Nestle Lanka, Nation Lanka Finance, John Keells Holdings and Nations Trust Bank, accounting for 62.9% of turnover. Mixed interest was observed in Nation Lanka Finance and Anilana Hotels and Properties whilst retail interest was noted in Seylan Bank nonvoting and LB Finance. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in John Keells Holdings. Total foreign sales accounted for 55.1% of turnover.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 0.58%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs 3.90 (2.02%) closing at Rs 197.00 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 5,079,851 shares.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Nation Lanka Finance and Nations Trust Bank) whilst the sector index increased by 0.12%. The share price of Nation Lanka Finance gained Rs 0.10 (2.50%) to close at Rs 4.10. The share price of Nations Trust Bank recorded a gain of Rs 0.30 (0.61%) to close at Rs 98.20.

Anilana Hotels and Properties and Laugfs Gas were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Anilana Hotels and Properties moved down by Rs 0.20 (4.65%) to close at Rs 4.10. The share price of Laugfs Gas closed flat at Rs 39.50.

Furthermore, Central Finance Company announced a final dividend of Rs 1.80 per share whilst Sigiriya Village Hotels announced a first & final dividend of Rs 2.00 per share.