Indices close in green

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Ceylon Tobacco Company, Ceylon Cold Stores and Sampath Bank. The turnover crossed Rs 1.0 Bn for the day. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in John Keells Holdings, Commercial Bank and Lion Brewery. Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank and United Motors Lanka whilst retail interest was noted in Lankem Developments and Ceylon Grain Elevators. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchases in John Keells Holdings and Sampath Bank. Total foreign purchases accounted for 63.3% of turnover.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 0.50%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs 0.70 (0.47%) closing at Rs 150.60 whilst foreign holdings increased by 1,811,172 shares.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index decreased by 0.01%. The share price of Commercial Bank lost Rs 0.50 (0.36%) to close at Rs 137.50. The share price of Sampath Bank recorded a gain of Rs 10.60 (3.30%) closing at Rs 331.70 whilst foreign holdings increased by 199,588 shares.

Lion Brewery and United Motors Lanka were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Lion Brewery moved down by Rs 15.00 (2.73%) to close at Rs 535.00. The share price of United Motors Lanka increased by Rs 5.90 (7.96%) to close at Rs 80.00.