Indices close on a positive note

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Ceylon Tobacco Company, Softlogic Holdings and Lanka Orix Leasing Company with the turnover crossing Rs 455 Mn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Seylan Bank nonvoting and Commercial Bank. Mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings and Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Capital. Furthermore, foreigners closed as net sellers for the day.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Seylan Bank nonvoting, Sampath Bank and Commercial Bank) whilst the sector index gained 0.60%. The share price of Seylan Bank nonvoting increased by Rs 1.00 (1.89%) to close at Rs 54.00. The share price of Sampath Bank edged down Rs 0.20 (0.07%) to close at Rs 298.30. The share price of Commercial Bank appreciated by Rs 0.50 (0.37%) to close at Rs 134.00.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Softlogic Holdings) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.09%. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved down by Rs 1.00 (0.63%) to close at Rs 159.00. The share price of Softlogic Holdings recorded a gain of Rs 1.00 (4.35%) to close at Rs 24.00.