Foreign purchases boost turnover

The price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Ceylon Cold Stores and Ceylon Tobacco Company resulted in indices closing in green whilst turnover crossed Rs 1.3 Bn. Crossings were witnessed in Ceylon Cold Stores and Commercial Bank, accounting for 53.7% of turnover. Mixed interest was observed in Teejay Lanka, National Development Bank and John Keells Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Access Engineering. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchases in John Keells Holdings. Total foreign purchases accounted for 80.6% of turnover.

Beverage, Food and Tobacco sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Ceylon Cold Stores) whilst the sector index gained 1.05%. The share price of Ceylon Cold Stores increased by Rs 38.70 (4.77%) to close at Rs 849.70. Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank and National Development Bank) whilst the sector index increased by 1.72%. The share price of Commercial Bank moved up by Rs 2.60 (1.98%) to close at Rs 134.10. The share price of Hatton National Bank recorded a gain of Rs 1.60 (0.72%) to close at Rs 224.50. The share price of National Development Bank increased by Rs 4.90 (3.77%) to close at Rs 135.00.

John Keells Holdings was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of John Keells Holdings gained Rs 3.00 (2.14%) closing at Rs 143.10 whilst foreign holdings increased by 952,906 shares.