Indices close in green

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters

such as Nestle Lanka, Cargills and Sampath Bank with the turnover crossing Rs 968 Mn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Dailog Axiata, John Keells Holdings, Sampath Bank and Access Engineering. Mixed interest was observed in Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting and Royal Ceramics whilst retail interest was noted in Seylan Bank nonvoting and Hayleys Fabric.

Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in Dialog Axiata and John Keells Holdings.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to

Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index gained 0.19%. The share price of Sampath Bank moved up by Rs 2.20 (1.32%) to close at Rs 168.80.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.11%.

The share price of John Keells Holdings lost Rs 0.20 (0.13%) closing at Rs 159.40 whilst foreign holdings increased by 926,187 shares.

Dialog Axiata, Access Engineering and Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Dialog Axiata closed flat at Rs 12.00 whilst foreign holdings increased by 11,784,215 shares.

The share price of Access Engineering recorded a gain of Rs 0.70 (3.45%) to close at Rs 21.00.

The share price of Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting appreciated by Rs 1.10 (3.29%) to close at Rs 34.50.