Crossings elevate turnover on a dull day

In spite of the low activity seen during the early hours of the day, the bourse reached a turnover of Rs 451 Mn. Multiple parcel trades witnessed nearing the end of trading in Ceylon Tobacoo Company, John Keells Holdings and Laugfs Gas helped uplift the turnover by 44%. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active during the day while retail activity was seen in Pan Asia Bank.

Beverage, Food and Tobacco sector became the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Ceylon Tobacco Company) and the sector index gained 2.32%. The share price of Ceylon Tobacco Company went up by Rs 78.90 (8.05%) to close at Rs 1059.00.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) and the sector index came down by 0.36%. The share price of John Keells Holdings went up by Rs 1.50 (0.56%) to close at Rs 269.50 while the counter’s foreign holding increasing by 65,686 shares.

Ceylinco Insurance, Sampath Bank and Laugfs Gas were also among the top turnover contributors for the day. The share price of Ceylinco Insurance gained by Rs 35.40 (2.80%) to close at Rs 1300.00 while Sampath Bank saw its share price losing Rs 0.60 (0.30%) to close at Rs 201.50. . The share price of Laugfs Gas decreased by Rs 0.20 (0.76%) to close at Rs 26.00.

Meanwhile, Kandy Hotels announced its final dividend of Rs 0.02 per share.