Indices close in green

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Ceylon Cold Stores and Distilleries with turnover crossing Rs 845 Mn. Meanwhile the S&P SL20 edged up. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Sampath Bank, John Keells Holdings, Commercial Bank and Hatton National Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Softlogic Holdings. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in Sampath Bank. Total foreign purchases accounted for 46.3% of turnover.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank, Hatton National Bank and Commercial Bank) whilst the sector index lost 0.17%. The share price of Sampath Bank increased by Rs 3.90 (1.25%) closing at Rs 315.20 whilst foreign holdings increased by 919,442 shares. The share price of Hatton National Bank moved down by Rs 3.50 (1.43%) to close at Rs 241.00. The share price of Commercial Bank declined by Rs 1.90 (1.38%) to close at Rs 136.10.

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 0.79%. The share price of John Keells Holdings gained Rs 3.10 (1.92%) to close at Rs 164.50. The share price of Softlogic Holdings recorded a loss of Rs 0.60 (2.50%) to close at Rs 23.40. Furthermore, Bairaha Farms announced an interim dividend of Rs 3.00 per share. Ceylinco Insurance announced its first & final dividend of Rs 31.50 per share.