Foreign purchases accounted for 51% of turnover

The ASPI edged down as a result of price losses in counters such as Lanka Orix Leasing Company, Sri Lanka Telecom and Brown & Company with the turnover crossing Rs 337 Mn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in green. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Central Finance Company, Hatton National Bank, Commercial Bank and Commercial Credit & Finance. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in Central Finance Company. Total foreign purchases accounted for 50.7% of the turnover.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Central Finance Company, Hatton National Bank, Commercial Bank and Commercial Credit & Finance) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.05%. The share price of Central Finance Company edged upby Rs 0.10 (0.10%) closing at Rs 96.80 whilst foreign holdings increased by 817,766 shares. The share price of Hatton National Bank gained Rs 3.80 (1.71%) to close at Rs 226.00. The share price of Commercial Bank closed flat at Rs 123.00. The share price of Commercial Credit & Finance closed flat at Rs 32.90.

Manufacturing sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Chevron Lubricants) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.79%. The share price of Chevron Lubricants closed flat at Rs 73.00.

Furthermore, Lake House Printers & Publishers announced its first & final dividend of Rs 1.50 per share.