ASPI closes in green

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Ceylon Tobacco Company, Nestle Lanka and Lion Brewery with the turnover crossing Rs 409 Mn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in red. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in R I L Properties, John Keells Holdings and Nestle Lanka. Retail interest was noted in Softlogic Capital. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in Commercial Bank and Hemas Holdings.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank) whilst the sector index gained 0.14%. The share price of Commercial Bank moved down by Rs 2.60 (2.03%) closing at Rs 125.40 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 305,753 shares.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Hemas Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 0.14%. The share price of John Keells Holdings lost Rs 0.20 (0.14%) to close at Rs 139.70. The share price of Hemas Holdings closed flat at Rs 100.10 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 324,932 shares.

R I L Property and Nestle Lanka were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of R I L Property closed flat at Rs 7.40. The share price of Nestle Lanka recorded a gain of Rs 50.90 (2.91%) to close at Rs 1,801.00.

Furthermore, Lee Hedges and Harischandra Mills announced theirfinal dividend of Rs 1.00 and Rs 25.00 per share respectively.