Indices close in green

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Ceylon Tobacco Company, Ceylon Cold Stores and Sri Lanka Telecom with the turnover crossing Rs 552 Mn.

A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was seen in John Keells Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Seylan Bank whilst retail interest was noted in East West Properties.

Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in John Keells Holdings. Total foreign sales accounted for 66.1% of the turnover.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 0.75%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs 0.50 (0.37%) closing at Rs 136.00 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 2,621,583 shares.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Seylan Bank nonvoting) whilst the sector index increased by 0.45%. The share price of Seylan Bank nonvoting closed flat at Rs 30.90.

Cargills, East West Properties and Access Engineering were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Cargills moved up by Rs 1.90 (0.98%) to close at Rs 195.00.

The share price of East West Properties recorded a loss of Rs 9.00 (52.94%) to close at Rs 8.00. The share price of Access Engineering closed flat at Rs 12.00.