Consecutive net foreign buying in March

The ASPI closed in red whilst S&P SL20 closed in green with turnover crossing Rs 585 Mn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in John Keells Holdings whilst mixed interest was observed in Tokyo Cement nonvoting and Nations Trust Bank. Retail interest was noted in Sanasa Development Bank, John Keells Holdings Warrant 22 and Lanka IOC. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchases in Commercial Bank. The total foreign purchases accounted for 49.7% of turnover reflecting the sustained foreign buying in the market.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Nations Trust Bank and Commercial Bank) whilst the sector index gained 0.38%. The share price of Nations Trust Bank gained Rs 2.30 (2.17%) to close at Rs 108.50. The share price of Commercial Bank moved up by Rs 2.90 (1.61%) closing at Rs 183.00 whilst foreign holdings increased by 161,952 shares.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.45%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs 0.30 (0.15%) to close at Rs 204.50.

Distilleries and Tokyo Cement nonvoting were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Distilleries recorded a gain of Rs 1.40 (0.58%) to close at Rs 242.00. The share price of Tokyo Cement Company gained Rs 0.50 (1.37%) to close at Rs 37.10.

Furthermore, Asiri Hospital Holdings, Asiri Surgical Hospital, Lanka Aluminium Industries and Trans Asia Hotels announced their interim dividends of Rs 0.50, Rs 0.40, Rs 1.50 and Rs 1.50 per share respectively.