Foreign activity boost turnover

Despite falling below the 6,000 support level, bourse regained some of the lost ground to close the day marginally in red while surpassing the 6,000 mark. Institutional and high net worth investor interest was seen in blue chip counters such as John Keells Holdings, Sampath Bank and Commercial Bank. Foreign buying contributed to 64% of day’s turnover with retail activity seen in counters such as Central Investments and Finance and Pan Asia Power.

Diversification sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) and the sector index came down by 0.69%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs 1.50 (0.60%) to close at Rs 247.10 while the foreign holding of the counter increased by 1,358,911 shares.

Banking, Finance & Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank and Central Finance) and the sector index inched down 0.05%. The share price of Sampath Bank came down by Rs 1.60 (0.81%) to close at Rs 196.40 while the counter’s foreign holding increased by 337,314 shares. The share price of Commercial Bank came down by Rs 0.50 (0.43%) to close at Rs 116.50. The share price of Hatton National Bank dipped by Rs 2.00 (1.27%) to close at Rs 155.00 while the share price of Central Finance closed flat at Rs Rs 182.00.

Meanwhile, Richard Pieris Exports, Namunukula Plantations and Ke galle Plantations announced their interim dividends of Rs 0.40, Rs 9.00 and Rs 12.00 per share respectively.