Indices close in green

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, LOLC Holdings and Ceylon Tobacco Company with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.9 bn.

A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Access Engineering and Lee Hedges.

Mixed interest was observed in Sunshine Holdings, LOLC Holdings and Eden Hotel Lanka, whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing voting & nonvoting and Browns Investments. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers.

Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover, whilst the sector index gained 0.96%. Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sunshine

Holdings), whilst the sector index increased by 1.01%.

The share price of Sunshine Holdings closed flat at Rs. 25.70, whilst foreign holdings increased by 4,002,048 shares. LOLC Holdings, Eden Hotel

Lanka, Expolanka Holdings and Dipped Products were also included amongst the top turnover contributors.

The share price of LOLC Holdings gained Rs. 7.75 (1.85%) to close at Rs. 426.00. The share price of Eden Hotel Lanka moved up by Rs. 1.00 (7.46%) to close at Rs. 14.40.

The share price of Expolanka Holdings closed flat at Rs. 52.90. The share price of Dipped Products appreciated by Rs. 0.40 (0.74%) to close at Rs. 54.50.