Crossings account for 65% of turnover

The ASPI edged down due to price losses in counters such as Ceylon Tobacco Company, Hemas Holdings and Sri Lanka Telecom. Meanwhile, S&P SL20 edged up. The turnover crossed Rs 345 Mn for the day. Crossings were witnessed in Lanka Orix Leasing Company, Asiri Surgical Hospital and Chevron Lubricants Lanka, accounting for 64.9% of turnover. Mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings and Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Malwatte Valley Plantations. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in Lanka Orix Leasing Company and Commercial Bank nonvoting. Total foreign purchases accounted for 56.2% of turnover. During the week, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 lost 0.36% and 0.55% respectively.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Lanka Orix Leasing Company, Sampath Bank and Commercial Bank nonvoting) whilst the sector index edged down 0.05%. The share price of Lanka Orix Leasing Company decreased by Rs 0.20 (0.17%) closing at Rs 114.90 whilst foreign holdings increased by 1,193,788 shares. The share price of Sampath Bank recorded a gain of Rs 0.90 (0.27%) to close at Rs 331.90. The share price of Commercial Bank nonvoting declined by Rs 0.70 (0.65%) closing at Rs 106.30 whilst foreign holdings increased by 184,990 shares. Health Care sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Asiri Surgical Hospital) whilst the sector index increased by 1.27%. The share price of Asiri Surgical Hospital closed flat at Rs 10.90. Chevron Lubricants was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Chevron Lubricants moved up by Rs 0.70 (0.62%) to close at Rs 113.20.