Indices close in green

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Commercial Leasing & Finance, Chevron Lubricants and Sri Lanka Telecom with the turnover crossing Rs 181 Mn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed in Central Finance Company and John Keells Holdings.

Mixed interest was observed in National Development Bank and Aitken Spence. Furthermore, foreigners closed as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in John Keells Holdings. Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Central Finance Company, National Development Bank and Citizens Development Business Finance) whilst the sector index gained 0.82%. The share price of Central Finance Company increased by Rs 0.10 (0.12%) to close at Rs 83.10. The share price of National Development Bank moved up by Rs 1.00 (1.16%) to close at Rs 87.00.

The share price of Citizens Development Business Finance appreciated by Rs 1.30 (1.69%) to close at Rs 78.00.

Diversified sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Aitken Spence) whilst the sector index increased by 0.37%.

The share price of John Keells Holdings gained Rs 0.40 (0.29%) closing at Rs 138.90 whilst foreign holdings increased by 287,734 shares. The share price of Aitken Spence closed flat at Rs 40.00.