Crossings boost turnover

ASPI closed in green due to price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Ceylon Cold Stores and Sri Lanka Telecom with turnover crossing Rs 2.4 Bn. Similar behaviour was witnessed in S&P SL20. Crossings were witnessed in Kotmale Holdings, John Keells Holdings, Ceylon Cold Stores and Commercial Bank accounting for 89.1% of turnover. Mixed interest was observed in Chevron Lubricants and Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Sanasa Development Bank and Seylan Bank nonvoting. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

Beverage, Food and Tobacco sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Kotmale Holdings and Ceylon Cold Stores) whilst the sector index gained 0.40%. The share price of Kotmale Holdings closed flat at Rs 60.10. The share price of Ceylon Cold Stores moved up by Rs 31.70 (4.28%) to close at Rs 771.70. Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 0.49%. The share price of John Keells Holdings gained Rs 2.30 (1.64%) closing at Rs 142.30 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 963,814 shares.

Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Commercial Bank recorded a loss of Rs 1.00 (0.69%) to close at Rs 143.00. The share price of Sampath Bank increased by Rs 2.80 (0.99%) to close at Rs 284.80.

Furthermore, The Lighthouse Hotel announced an interim dividend of Rs 2.00 per share and Ceylon Tabacco announced a final dividend of Rs 6.00 per share whilst Nations Trust Bank and Union Assurance announced their first & final dividends of Rs 2.10 and Rs 10.50 per share respectively.