The ASPI recorded the highest daily gain in 6 years

The ASPI gained 2.70% as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Distilleries and Lanka Orix Leasing Company with the turnover crossing Rs 1.5 Bn. Similarly, the S&P SL 20 increased by 4.44%. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Hatton National Bank, National Development Bank, John Keells Holdings and Dialog Axiata. Mixed interest was observed in both voting and nonvoting shares of Tokyo Cement Company and Access Engineering. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in Hatton National Bank. Total foreign sales accounted for 47.8% of the turnover.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank, National Development Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index gained 3.90%. The share price of Hatton National Bank increased by Rs 9.70 (4.73%) closing at Rs 214.80 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 1,972,993 shares. The share price of National Development Bank moved up by Rs 5.10 (4.86%) to close at Rs 110.10. The share price of Sampath Bank appreciated by Rs 11.30 (4.91%) to close at Rs 241.30.Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 4.76%. The share price of John Keells Holdings gained Rs 4.70 (3.14%) to close at Rs 154.40.

Access Engineering was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Access Engineering recorded a gain of Rs 1.90 (12.18%) to close at Rs 17.50.