Indices close in green

Indices closed in green due to price gains in counters such as Hatton National Bank, Sampath Bank and Ceylon Cold Stores with turnover crossing Rs 892 Mn for the day. Crossings were witnessed in John Keells Holdings, Ceylon Cold Stores, Tokyo Cement Company and Citizens Development Business Finance. Retail interest was noted in Orient Finance. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in Ceylon Cold Stores, John Keells Holdings and Sampath Bank. Total foreign purchases accounted for 54.7% of turnover.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index gained 1.27%. The share price of Sampath Bank moved up by Rs 13.60 (4.23%) closing at Rs 335.20 whilst foreign holdings increased by 248,570 shares. The share price of Hatton National Bank recorded a gain of Rs 8.90 (3.48%) to close at Rs 264.90.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.24%. The share price of John Keells Holdings lost Rs 1.40 (0.87%) closing at Rs 159.90 whilst foreign holdings increased by 948,475 shares.

Ceylon Cold Stores and Tokyo Cement Company were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Ceylon Cold Stores increased by Rs 26.70 (2.67%) closing at Rs 1,026.10 whilst foreign holdings increased by 58,369 shares. The share price of Tokyo Cement Company gained Rs 0.60 (0.85%) to close at Rs 71.40