Indices close in green

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Ceylon Tobacco Company, Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company and Commercial Bank with the turnover crossing Rs 319 Mn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in John Keells Holdings, Resus Energy and Seylan Bank. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in John Keells Holdings. Total foreign sales accounted for 50.6% of the turnover.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 0.15%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs 0.30 (0.23%) closing at Rs 132.60 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 804,814 shares.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank and Seylan Bank ) whilst the sector index increased by 0.42%. The share price of Sampath Bank lost Rs 0.90 (0.38%) to close at Rs 238.00. The share price of Commercial Bank recorded a gain of Rs 1.00 (0.90%) to close at Rs 112.50. The share price of Seylan Bank declined by Rs 0.30 (0.44%) to close at Rs 68.20.

Resus Energy was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Resus Energy moved up by Rs 0.50 (2.27%) to close at Rs 22.50.

Furthermore, Dipped Products announced an interim dividend of Rs 1.50 per share.