Indices close in green

ASPI closed in green due to price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Sri Lanka Telecom and Singer Sri Lanka. A similar behavior was witnessed in S&P SL20.THE turnover crossed Rs 153 Mn for the day. Crossings were witnessed in Amana Bank, accounting for 51.9% of turnover. Retail interest was noted in Lanka Orix Finance, Maskeliya Plantations and Lankem Developments.foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Amana Bank and Lanka Orix Finance) whilst the sector index gained 0.26%. The share price of Amana Bank closed flat at Rs 3.70. The share price of Lanka Orix Finance increased by Rs 0.40 (12.12%) closing at Rs 3.70 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 384,246 shares.

Plantations sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Maskeliya Plantations and Malwatte Valley Plantations nonvoting) whilst the sector index increased by 3.28%. The share price of Maskeliya Plantations moved up by Rs 1.90 (9.45%) closing at Rs 22.00 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 190,841 shares. The share price of Malwatte Valley Plantations nonvoting recorded a gain of Rs 0.20 (2.04%) to close at Rs 10.00.

Lankem Developments was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Lankem Developments gained Rs 0.90 (13.64%) to close at Rs 7.50.