Indices close in green

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Ceylinco Insurance, Melstacorp and John Keells Holdings with turnover crossing Rs 868 Mn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Teejay Lanka, Lion Brewery Ceylon, Ceylon Hospitalsnonvoting and Melstacorp. Retail interest was noted in East West, Vallibel One and Swarnamahal Finance. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers. Total foreign purchases accounted for 42.0% of turnover.

During the week, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 lost 0.09% and 0.51% respectively whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs 741 Mn.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 0.82%. The share price of John Keells Holdings recorded a gain of Rs 0.80 (0.49%) to close at Rs 163.80.

Manufacturing sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Teejay Lanka) whilst the sector index increased by 0.65%. The share price of Teejay Lanka increased by Rs 0.50 (1.56%) to close at Rs 32.50.

East West Properties, Lion Brewery and Ceylon Hospitals nonvoting were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of East West Properties gained Rs 1.50 (6.85%) to close at Rs 23.40. The share price of Lion Brewery moved down by Rs 1.00 (0.18%) to close at Rs 551.00. The share price of Ceylon Hospitals nonvoting declined by Rs 2.90 (4.01%) to close at Rs 69.50.

Furthermore, Alliance Finance Company, United Motors Lanka, Morison, Asian Hotels & Properties and Asiri Hospital Holdings announced their interim dividends of Rs 4.15, Rs 3.50, Rs 15.00, Rs 1.00 and Rs 0.60 per share respectively.