ASPI gains 1.4% for the day

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as LOLC Holdings, Browns Investments and Expolanka Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 3.9 bn.

A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hatton National Bank and Expolanka Holdings.

Mixed interest was observed in Dipped Products and Sampath Bank, whilst retail interest was noted in

Browns Investment and Tokyo Cement Company. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index gained 1.41%.

The share price of Hatton National Bank increased by Rs. 2.00 (1.54%) to close at Rs. 132.25. The share price of Sampath Bank appreciated by Rs. 1.90 (3.53%) closing at Rs. 55.80 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 2,715,358 shares. Browns Investments, Expolanka Holdings and Dipped

Products were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Browns Investments gained Rs. 0.30 (5.36%) to close at Rs. 5.90. The share price of Expolanka Holdings moved up by Rs. 1.80 (3.80%) to close at Rs. 49.20. The share price of Dipped Products recorded a gain of Rs. 1.60 (2.90%) to close at Rs. 56.80.

Furthermore, Ceylon Grain Elevators and Three Acre Farms announced their final dividends of Rs. 4.50 and Rs. 5.50 per share respectively.