ASPI edges up

The price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Dialog Axiata and Singer Sri Lanka resulted in indices closing in green whilst turnover crossed Rs 2.4 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Textured Jersey Lanka, John Keells Holdings, People’s Leasing & Finance, Expolanka Holdings, Chevron Lubricants Lanka, Sampath Bank, Ceylon Tobacco Company, Lanka IOC and Sunshine Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in ACL Cables, Dialog Axiata and MTD Walkers whilst retail interest was noted in Ceylon Grain Elevators, Sinhaputhra Finance and Bairaha Farms. Meanwhile, foreigners closed as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in John Keells Holdings and Lanka IOC.

Manufacturing sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Textured Jersey Lanka) whilst the sector index lost 0.20%. The share price of Textured Jersey Lanka closed flat at Rs 30.30.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 0.55%. The share price of John Keells Holdings gained Rs 2.10 (1.10%) closing at Rs 192.20 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 978,919 shares.

Lanka IOC, People’s Leasing & Finance and Sampath Bank were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Lanka IOC moved up by Rs 1.30 (3.72%) closing at Rs 36.20 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 3,673,741 shares. The share price of People’s Leasing & Finance recorded a gain of Rs 0.10 (0.41%) to close at Rs 24.70. The share price of Sampath Bank appreciated by Rs 0.90 (0.34%) to close at Rs 263.90.