S&P SL20 records a daily gain of 0.8%

The ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Ceylinco Insurance and Distilleries with the turnover crossing Rs 967 Mn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in green. Crossings were witnessed inceylinco Insurance,sampath Bank and John Keells Holdings, accounting for 43.3% of the turnover. Mixed interest was observed in Swisstek. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in Ceylinco Insurance. Total foreign purchases accounted for 69.1% of the turnover.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Ceylinco Insurance, Sampath Bank and Amana Bank) whilst the sector index gained 0.25%. The share price of Ceylinco Insurance increased by Rs 247.00 (14.11%) closing at Rs 1,997.80 whilst foreign holdings increased by 267,500 shares. The share price of Sampath Bank lost Rs 2.30 (0.81%) to close at Rs 281.70. The share price of Amana Bank declined by Rs 0.10 (3.13%) to close at Rs 3.10.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 1.15%. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved up by Rs 4.50 (3.30%) to close at Rs 141.00.

Lion Brewery was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Lion Brewery recorded a gain of Rs 5.00 (0.81%) to close at Rs 625.00.

Furthermore, Ceylon Tobacco Company announced an interim dividend of Rs 19.00 per share.