GLAS accounts for 88% of turnover

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Browns Investments, Expolanka Holdings and Brown & Company with the turnover crossing Rs. 7.4 bn.

Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 edged down. Crossings were witnessed in Piramal Glass, accounting for 84.2% of the turnover.

Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank, Commercial Bank and John Keells Holdings, whilst retail interest was noted in Hatton National Bank non voting, Expolanka Holdings and Sampath Bank.

Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers. PGP Glass Private Limited (formerly known as Pristine Glass Private Limited) acquired 56.45% of Piramal Glass Ceylon voting shares from Piramal Glass Private Limited at a price per share of Rs. 11.60.

Materials sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Piramal Glass), whilst the sector index lost 0.15%. The share price of Piramal Glass increased by Rs. 0.60 (5.77%) to close at Rs. 11.00.

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank and Hatton National Bank), whilst the sector index decreased by 0.20%. The share price of Commercial Bank moved down by Rs 0.60 (0.66%) to close at Rs. 90.20. The share price of Sampath Bank recorded a loss of Rs. 0.20 (0.35%) to close at Rs. 56.60.

The share price of Hatton National Bank appreciated by Rs. 1.25 (0.97%) to close at Rs. 130.50. John Keells Holdings was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of John Keells Holdings gained Rs 0.50 (0.33%) to close at Rs 150.00. Furthermore, Union Assurance announced a first and final dividend of Rs. 14.00 per share.