Indices close on positive note

ASPI in green due to price gains in counters such as Ceylon Tobacco Company, Dialog Axiata and John Keells Holdings. A similar behavior was witnessed in S&P SL20. The turnover crossed Rs 346 Mn for the day. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Ceylon Tobacco Company and Nations Trust Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Dialog Axiata and Singer Sri Lanka whilst retail interest was noted in Elpitiya Plantations. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in Ceylon Tobacco Company.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Nations Trust Bank ) whilst the sector index lost 0.17%. The share price of Nations Trust Bank gained Rs 0.50 (0.64%) to close at Rs 79.00.

Beverage, Food and Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Ceylon Tobacco Company) whilst the sector index increased by 1.33%. The share price of Ceylon Tobacco Company increased by Rs 40.00 (4.17%) closing at Rs 1,000.00 whilst foreign holdings increased by 48,103 shares.

Dialog Axiata, John Keells Holdings and Singer Sri Lanka were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Dialog Axiata moved up by Rs 0.20 (1.77%) to close at Rs 11.50. The share price of John Keells Holdings recorded a gain of Rs 0.80 (0.50%) to close at Rs 161.80. The share price of Singer Sri Lanka declined by Rs 6.50 (12.38%) to close at Rs 46.00.