Full Stock Market

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Ceylinco Insurance, Commercial Bank and Aitken Spence with the turnover crossing Rs 2.1 Bn. A similar behavior was witnessed in the S&P SL20.

Crossings were witnessed in Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank and John Keells Holdings, accounting for 49.8% of the turnover. Mixed interest was observed in Dipped Products, Piramal Glass and Hatton National Bank nonvoting, whilst retail interest was noted in Expolanka Holdings, First Capital Holdings and Sampath Bank. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in Hatton National Bank and Commercial Bank.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank, Commercial Bank and Hatton National Bank non voting), whilst the sector index gained 0.81%. The share price of Hatton National Bank decreased by Rs 2.50 (1.90%) closing at Rs 129.25, whilst foreign holdings decreased by 4,384,883 shares. The share price of Commercial Bank gained Rs 2.20 (2.48%) closing at Rs 90.80, whilst foreign holdings decreased by 5,456,000 shares. The share price of Hatton National Bank nonvoting moved up by Rs 2.00 (2.00%) to close at Rs 102.00. Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings), whilst the sector index increased by 0.62%. The share price of John Keells Holdings recorded a gain of Rs 0.50 (0.34%) to close at Rs 149.50. Expolanka Holdings was also included amongst the top turnover contributors.

The share price of Expolanka Holdings appreciated by Rs 0.60 (1.34%) to close at Rs 45.30. Furthermore, Mahaweli Coconut Plantations, Richard Pieris & Company and Hayleys announced their interim dividends of Rs 0.75, Rs 0.50 and Rs 1.00 per share respectively.