Foreign purchases account for 60% of turnover

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Commercial Bank and Nestle Lanka with the turnover crossing Rs 634 Mn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Melstacorpandjohn Keells Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank and Seylan Bank. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in John Keells Holdings. Total foreign purchases accounted for 60.3% of the turnover.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Melstacorp and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 0.42%. The share price of Melstacorp closed flat at Rs 50.00. The share price of John Keells Holdings gained Rs 2.20 (1.49%) closing at Rs 149.50 whilst foreign holdings increased by 544,616 shares.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank and Seylan Bank ) whilst the sector index increased by 0.26%. The share price of Sampath Bank moved up by Rs 5.10 (1.72%) to close at Rs 301.20. The share price of Seylan Bank recorded a gain of Rs 0.40 (0.50%) to close at Rs 80.50.

Ceylon Tobacco Company was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Ceylon Tobacco Company appreciated by Rs 10.00 (0.88%) to close at Rs 1,150.00.