Indices close in green

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Distilleries, John Keells Holdings and Sampath Bank with the turnover crossing Rs 1.1 Bn.

A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in John Keells Holdings, National Development Bank, Sampath Bank and Teejay Lanka. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in John Keells Holdings.

Total foreign sales accounted for 59.8% of the turnover. Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Melstacorp) whilst the sector index gained 0.13%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs 2.00 (1.29%) closing at Rs 157.00 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 3,888,884 shares.

The share price of Melstacorp declined by Rs 1.30 (2.90%) to close at Rs 43.50. Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to National Development Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index increased by 0.47%.

The share price of National Development Bank gained Rs 3.00 (2.82%) to close at Rs 109.30. The share price of Sampath Bank moved up by Rs 4.80 (2.45%) to close at Rs 200.50. Teejay Lanka was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Teejay Lanka recorded a loss of Rs 0.10 (0.32%) to close at Rs 31.50.

Furthermore, Lion Brewery and Expolanka Holdings announced their interim dividends of Rs 4.00 and Rs 0.15 per share respectively.