Indices in green

The price gains in counters such as Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings, Ceylon Tea Services and Selinsing resulted in indices closing in green whilst turnover crossed Rs 1.5 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Seylan Bank, Distilleries, Adam Investments and John Keells Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Sanasa Development Bank and Access Engineering whilst retail interest was noted in Ceylon Grain Elevators and Three Acre Farms. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in Distilleries and Seylan Bank.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Seylan Bank and Sanasa Development Bank) whilst the sector index gained 0.46%. The share price of Seylan Bank increased by Rs 4.10 (3.84%) to close at Rs 111.00 whilst foreign holdings increased by 294,000 shares. The share price of Sanasa Development Bank moved up by Rs 5.90 (4.21%) to close at Rs 146.00.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Adam Investments and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 0.32%. The share price of Adam Investments recorded a gain of Rs 0.10 (3.45%) to close at Rs 3.00. The share price of John Keells Holdings appreciated by Rs 1.00 (0.50%) to close at Rs 202.00.

Distilleries was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Distilleries gained Rs 2.00 (0.69%) closing at Rs 292.00 whilst foreign holdings increased by 585,515 shares.

Furthermore, Royal Ceramics Lanka announced a final dividend of Rs 2.00 per share whilst Talawakelle Tea Estates announced a first & final dividend of Rs 3.00 per share.