Foreign purchases account for 73% of turnover

ASPI closed in red due to price losses in counters such as C T Holdings, Hatton National Bank and Nestle Lanka. A similar behaviour was witnessed in S&P SL20. The turnover crossed Rs 1.7 Bn for the day. Crossings were witnessed in Tokyo Cement Company, John Keells Holdings, Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting and Commercial Bank nonvoting, accounting for 62.8% of turnover. Mixed interest was observed in Teejay Lanka and Piramal Glass Ceylon. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchases in John Keells Holdings. Total foreign purchases accounted for 73.0% of turnover.

Manufacturing sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Tokyo Cement Company and Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting) whilst the sector index gained 0.59%. The share price of Tokyo Cement Company increased by Rs 4.10 (5.69%) to close at Rs 76.10. The share price of Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting moved up by Rs 2.20 (3.33%) to close at Rs 68.20.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.07%. The share price of John Keells Holdings gained Rs 0.90 (0.51%) closing at Rs 178.90 whilst foreign holdings increased by 1,285,354 shares.

Ceylon Cold Stores and Commercial Bank nonvoting were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Ceylon Cold Stores recorded a loss of Rs 7.50 (0.88%) to close at Rs 842.50. The share price of Commercial Bank nonvoting appreciated by Rs 1.80 (1.68%) to close at Rs 109.00.