Both indices record ~1% gain for the day

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains incounters such as John Keells Holdings, Dialog Axiata and Lion Brewery with the turnover crossing Rs 1.1 Bn. A similarbehavior was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worthand institutional investor participation was noted inpeople’s Leasing & Finance, John Keells Holdings andnations Trust Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Dialog Axiata, Commercial Bank and Hatton National Bank, whilst retail interest was noted in The Colombo Fort Land &Building, Hayleys Fabric and Access

Engineering. furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as netsellers mainly due to foreign selling in People’s Leasing &Finance. Total foreign sales accounted for 42.7% of the turnover.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the marketturnover (due to Commercial Bank and Nations Trust Bank) whilst the sector index gained 1.13%. The share price of Commercial Bank moved up by Rs 0.90 (1.22%) to close at Rs 74.90 while the share price of

Nations Trust Bankappreciated by Rs 1.00 (1.61%) to close at Rs 63.00.

Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to People’s Leasing & Finance) whilst the sector index increased by 0.45%. The share price of People’s Leasing & Finance increased by Rs0.30 (2.61%) closing at Rs 11.80 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 21,030,071 shares.

John Keells Holdings and Dialog Axiata were also includedamongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of John Keells Holdings gained Rs 2.10 (1.89%) to close at Rs 113.50. The share price of Dialog Axiata recorded a gain of Rs 0.20 (1.80%) to close at Rs 11.30.