YTD net foreign inflow crosses LKR 21 Bn

ASPI closed in red due to price losses in counters such as Ceylon Tobacco Company, Hatton National Bank and The Lighthouse Hotel. Similar behavior was witnessed in S&P SL20. The turnover crossed Rs 1.0 Bn for the day where crossings were witnessed in Amana Bank, John Keells Holdings, Sampath Bank, Hayleys and Chevron Lubricants, accounting for 56.2% of turnover. Mixed interest was observed in Piramal Glass whilst retail interest was noted in Tokyo Cement nonvoting. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in John Keells Holdings.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Amana Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index gained 0.35%. The share price of Amana Bank increased by Rs 0.10 (2.78%) to close at Rs 3.70. The share price of Sampath Bank moved up by Rs 0.90 (0.31%) to close at Rs 287.00.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Hayleys) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.06%. The share price of John Keells Holdings closed flat at Rs 178.90 whilst foreign holdings increased by 1,219,920 shares. The share price of Hayleys increased by Rs 0.60 (0.21%) to close at Rs 291.60.

Chevron Lubricants was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Chevron Lubricants recorded a loss of Rs 1.00 (0.60%) to close at Rs 166.00.

Furthermore, Tokyo Cement Company announced its first & final dividend of Rs 1.87 per share.