Indices close in green

ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Commercial Leasing & Finance and John Keells Hotels. A similar behaviour was witnessed in S&P SL20. The turnover crossed Rs 318 Mn for the day. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Ceylon Cold Stores and Commercial Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Lanka IOC and Access Engineering. Meanwhile, foreigners closed as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in Sampath Bank.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank and Hatton National Bank nonvoting) whilst the sector index gained 0.07%. The share price of Commercial Bank closed flat at Rs 138.00. The share price of Sampath Bank moved down by Rs 0.10 (0.04%) closing at Rs 279.80 whilst foreign holdings increased by 46,779 shares. The share price of Hatton National Bank nonvoting recorded a gain of Rs 0.10 (0.05%) to close at Rs 190.00.

Manufacturing sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover whilst the sector index increased by 0.24%.

Ceylon Cold Stores and Lanka IOC were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Ceylon Cold Stores increased by Rs 0.30 (0.04%) to close at Rs 849.80. The share price of Lanka IOC closed flat at Rs 34.00.

Furthermore, Bansei Royal Resorts Hikkaduwa announced its first & final dividend of Rs 0.10 per share.