Crossings account for ~64% of the turnover

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Melstacorp and Nations Trust Bank with the turnover crossing Rs 736 Mn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. Crossings were witnessed in Vidullanka, John Keells Holdings, Sampath Bank and Commercial Bank, accounting for 63.9% of the turnover. Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank and Amana Bank whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing. Furthermore, foreigners closed as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in Sampath Bank.

Power and Energy sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Vidullanka) whilst the sector index gained 0.98%. The share price of Vidullanka closed flat at Rs 4.80.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.04%. The share price of Sampath Bank moved up by Rs 1.70 (0.74%) closing at Rs 231.70 whilst foreign holdings increased by 153,946 shares. The share price of Hatton National Bank recorded a loss of Rs 0.90 (0.42%) to close at Rs 212.10.

John Keells Holdings and Lion Brewery were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of John Keells Holdings gained Rs 1.90 (1.23%) to close at Rs 156.00. The share price of Lion Brewery appreciated by Rs 2.20 (0.40%) to close at Rs 555.00.

Furthermore, The Lanka Hospital Corporation and Resus Energy announced their interim dividends of Rs 1.00 and Rs 1.50 per share respectively.