ASPI reaches 6,000 points since January 2019

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Ceylon Tobacco Company, Distilleries and Lion Brewery with the turnover crossing Rs 1.7 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. Crossings were witnessed in Seylan Bank, John Keells Holdings, Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank, accounting for 47.5% of the turnover. Mixed interest was observed in Access Engineering and Royal Ceramics whilst retail interest was noted in Tokyo

Cement Company nonvoting and Hayleys Fabric. Furthermore, foreigners closed as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in Commercial Bank.

During the week, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 gained 1.63% and 1.87% respectively whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs 970 Mn. Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Seylan Bank , Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank and Ceylinco Insurance) whilst the sector index gained 0.44%.

The share price of Seylan Bank increased by Rs 1.10 (1.97%) to close at Rs 56.80. The share price of Commercial Bank moved up by Rs 1.10 (1.14%) closing at Rs 98.00 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 2,344,325 shares.

The share price of Sampath Bank recorded a gain of Rs 0.60 (0.35%) to close at Rs 170.50.

The share price of Ceylinco Insurance closed flat at Rs 1,800.00 Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.02%. The share price of John

Keells Holdings closed flat at Rs 157.00. Furthermore, John Keells Holdings announced an interim dividend of Rs 1.00 per share.