56 points spike in ASPI

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Commercial Credit & Finance, Carson Cumberbatch and Cargills whilst turnover crossed Rs 2.3 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Distilleries, Lanka IOC, John Keells Holdings, Textured Jersey Lanka, Hemas Holdings, Dialog Axiata, People’s Leasing & Finance, Hatton National Bank, Seylan Bank and Lion Brewery. Mixed interest was observed in Softlogic Holdings and CIC Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Access Engineering and Royal Ceramics Lanka. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in John Keells Holdings and Lanka IOC. Total foreign sales accounted for 43.7% of turnover.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Softlogic Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 0.78%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs 0.10 (0.05%) closing at Rs 192.00 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 1,335,720 shares. The share price of Softlogic Holdings appreciated by Rs 0.40 (2.40%) to close at Rs 17.10.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to) whilst the sector index increased by 0.80%.

Lanka IOC, Distilleries and Dialog Axiata were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Lanka IOC gained Rs 0.90 (2.68%) closing at Rs 34.50 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 7,130,399 shares. The share price of Distilleries moved up by Rs 0.40 (0.14%) to close at Rs 290.50. The share price of Dialog Axiata recorded a gain of Rs 0.20 (1.83%) to close at Rs 11.10.

Furthermore, Kelani Tyres and Lanka Tiles announced their interim dividends of Rs 1.50 and Rs 4.00 per share respectively.