Indices close in green after 3 sessions

Price gains in counters such as C T Holdings, Commercial Bank and Hemas Holdingsresulted in indices closing in green whilst turnover crossed Rs 991 Mn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Dialog Axiata, Hemas Holdings, LB Finance and Lanka Orix Leasing Company. Mixed interest was observed in Hayleys Fibre whilst retail interest was noted in People’s Leasing & Finance. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers. Total foreign purchases accounted for 75.5% of turnover.

Telecommunications sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Dialog Axiata) whilst the sector index lost 1.26%. The share price of Dialog Axiata closed flat at Rs 11.00.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hemas Holdings and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 0.61%. The share price of Hemas Holdings gained Rs 0.10 (0.12%) to close at Rs 86.10. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved down by Rs 0.30 (0.21%) to close at Rs 140.00. LB Finance and People’s Leasing & Finance were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of LB Finance recorded a gain of Rs 2.30 (1.86%) to close at Rs 126.00. The share price of People’s Leasing & Finance declinedrs 0.10 (0.55%) to close at Rs 18.10.

Furthermore, Convenience Foods announced its first & final dividend of Rs 4.00 per share.