Crossings boost turnover

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters

such as Distilleries, Hemas Holdings and Lion Brewery with the turnover crossing Rs 1.4 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. Crossings were witnessed in Hunas Falls Hotels,

Commercial Bank, John Keells Holdings and Lion Brewery, accounting for 66.8% of the turnover. Retail interest was noted in Janashakthi Insurance Company. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in John Keells Holdings. Total foreign sales accounted for 45.7% of the turnover.

Hotels and Travels sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hunas Falls Hotels) whilst the sector index gained 0.39%. The share price of Hunas Falls Hotels increased by Rs 17.90 (11.18%) to close at Rs 178.00. The acquisition of Hunas Falls Hotels by Serenity Lake Leisure (Private) Limited accounted for 46.8% of the turnover.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the

market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 0.18%. The share price of John Keells

Holdings closed flat at Rs 153.00 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 2,794,214 shares.

Commercial Bank, Lion Brewery and Janashakthi Insurance Company were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Commercial Bank moved up by Rs 0.20 (0.18%) to close at Rs 114.20. The share price of Lion Brewery recorded a gain of Rs 13.70 (2.46%) to close at Rs 570.00. The share price of Janashakthi Insurance Company

appreciated by Rs 0.70 (2.36%) to close at Rs 30.40.