Crossings account for 72% of the turnover

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Ceylon Cold Stores, Carson Cumberbatch and Hemas Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs 2.0 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. Crossings were witnessed in John Keells Holdings, Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank, Hatton National Bank nonvoting and Nations Trust Bank, accounting for 72.0% of the turnover. Mixed interest was observed in Access Engineering and Royal Ceramics whilst retail interest was noted in Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting and Overseas Realty. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in John Keells Holdings. Total foreign sales accounted for 77.4% of the turnover.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 1.02%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs 0.50 (0.32%) closing at Rs 154.50 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 8,202,520 shares.

Banks, Finance and

Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index increased by 0.29%. The share price of Commercial Bank lost Rs 0.20 (0.20%) to close at Rs 98.60. The share price of Sampath Bank recorded a gain of Rs 3.00 (1.80%) to close at Rs 169.90.

Access Engineering and Royal Ceramics were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Access Engineering moved up by Rs 0.50 (2.29%) to close at Rs 22.30. The share price of Royal Ceramics appreciated by Rs 2.60 (3.50%) to close at Rs 76.80.

Furthermore, Access Engineering announced an interim dividend of Rs 0.25 per share.