Positive indices

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Carson Cumberbatch and LB Finance whilst turnover crossed Rs 2.1 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Commercial Credit & Finance, Commercial Bank, National Development Bank and Ceylinco Insurance - nonvoting. Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank and Seylan Bank - nonvoting whilst retail interest was noted in Sanasa Development Bank and Panasian Power. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in National Development Bank.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Credit & Finance, Ceylinco Insurance - nonvoting, Commercial Bank, National Development Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index gained 0.47%. The share price of Commercial Credit & Finance increased by Rs 1.80 (2.64%) to close at Rs 70.00. The share price of Ceylinco Insurance - nonvoting gained Rs 61.00 (9.55%) to close at Rs 700.00. The share price of Commercial Bank moved up by Rs 1.00 (0.59%) to close at Rs 170.00. The share price of National Development Bank recorded a gain of Rs 5.50 (2.04%) closing at Rs 275.50 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 269,000 shares. The share price of Sampath Bank appreciated by Rs 1.40 (0.53%) to close at Rs 265.00.

Manufacturing sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover whilst the sector index increased by 0.25%.