Indices close in green

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Distilleries, Ceylon Cold Stores and Ceylinco Insurance with turnover crossing Rs 315 Mn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. Crossings were traded in Amana Takaful, Ceylinco Insurance and Teejay Lanka, accounting for 52.5% of turnover. Retail interest was noted in Softlogic Holdings.foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Amana Takaful and Ceylinco Insurance nonvoting) whilst the sector index gained 0.40%. The share price of Amana Takaful closed flat at Rs 0.80. The share price of Ceylinco Insurance nonvoting closed flat at Rs 980.00.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Softlogic Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 0.51%. The share price of John Keells Holdings recorded a gain of Rs 0.50 (0.31%) closing at Rs 159.50 whilst foreign holdings increased by 55,779 shares. The share price of Softlogic Holdings appreciated by Rs 0.70 (3.00%) to close at Rs 24.00.

Teejay Lanka was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Teejay Lanka closed flat at Rs 32.10.