Foreign purchases account for 53% of turnover

The ASPI edged down as a result of price losses in counters such as Ceylon Tobacco Company, Distilleries and Dialog Axiata with the turnover crossing Rs 261 Mn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 edged up. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in John Keells Hotels and Dialog Axiata.

Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in John Keells Hotels. Total foreign purchases accounted for 53.1% of t he turnover.

Hotels and Travels sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Hotels) whilst the sector

index lost 0.14%. The share price of John Keells Hotels increased by Rs 0.20 (2.74%) closing at Rs 7.50 whilst foreign

holdings increased by 13,430,000 shares.

Telecommunications sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Dialog Axiata) whilst the sector index decreased by 1.36%. The share price of Dialog Axiata l ost Rs 0.20 (2.04%) to close at Rs 9.60.

John Keells Holdings, Nations Trust Bank and Hatton National Bank nonvoting were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved up

by Rs 0.30 (0.19%) to close at Rs 155.10. The share price of Nations Trust Bank recorded a gain of Rs 4.00 (4.44%) to close at Rs 94.00. The share price of Hatton National Bank nonvoting closed flat at Rs 156.20.

Furthermore, Colombo Dockyard announced its first and final dividend of Rs 1.50 per share.