Indices close in green

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Sri Lanka Telecom and Hatton National Bank with the turnover crossing Rs 318 Mn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank, Chevron Lubricants, Melstacorp, Teejay Lanka and Dialog Axiata. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in Sampath Bank.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank and Commercial Bank) whilst the sector index gained 1.10%. The share price of Sampath Bank increased by Rs 3.00 (1.27%) closing at Rs 240.00 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 200,001 shares. The share price of Commercial Bank closed flat at Rs 114.00.

Manufacturing sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Chevron Lubricants) whilst the sector index increased by 0.20%. The share price of Chevron Lubricants moved up by Rs 0.80 (1.23%) to close at Rs 66.00.

Dialog Axiata and Melstacorp were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Dialog Axiata closed flat at Rs 11.80. The share price of Melstacorp appreciated by Rs 0.50 (1.00%) to close at Rs 50.50.