Indices close in green

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Ceylon Cold Stores, Commercial Bank and

Sri Lanka Telecom with the turnover crossing Rs 461 Mn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Sampath Bank and John Keells Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Browns

Investments, Access Engineering and Hayleys Fabric whilst retail interest was noted in Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting.

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

Diversified sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Browns Investments and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 0.66%. The share price of Browns Investments increased by Rs 0.20 (6.90%) to close at Rs 3.10.

The share price of John Keells Holdings moved up by Rs 0.20 (0.14%) closing at Rs 146.10 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 73,934 shares.

Banks, Finance and Insurance sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index increased by 0.80%. The share price of Sampath Bank gained Rs 2.30 (1.44%) closing at Rs 162.20 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 81,603 shares.

Access Engineering and Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Access Engineering recorded a gain of Rs 0.60 (3.24%) closing at Rs 19.10 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 380,601 shares. The share price of Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting appreciated by Rs 0.40 (1.52%) to close at Rs 26.80.

Furthermore, Royal Palms Beach Hotels announced the first and final dividend of Rs 1.00 per share.