S&P SL20 records 2.8% gain for the day

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Commercial Bank, Dialog Axiata and Sampath Bank with the turnover crossing Rs 1.2 Bn.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Commercial Bank and Ceylon Tobacco Company. Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank and Tokyo Cement Company whilst retail interest was noted in Dialog Axiata and Access Engineering.

Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers. Total foreign sales accounted for 71.8% of the turnover. During the week the ASPI and the S&P SL20 lost 2.9% and 9.85% respectively whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 1.9 Bn.

Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index lost 2.71%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs 4.90 (5.74%) to close at Rs 80.50.

Banks sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index increased by 5.24%. The share price of Commercial Bank gained Rs 4.70 (9.38%) to close at Rs 54.80. The share price of Sampath Bank recorded a gain of Rs 5.70 (5.52%) to close at Rs 109.00. Ceylon Tobacco Company and Tokyo Cement Company were also included amongst the top turnover contributors.

The share price of Ceylon Tobacco Company moved up by Rs 10.30 (1.17%) to close at Rs 890.30. The share price of Tokyo Cement Company appreciated by Rs 1.40 (5.93%) to close at Rs 25.00. Furthermore, LVL Energy Fund Limited announced an interim dividend of Rs 0.18 per share while Singer Industries announced their final dividend of Rs 0.92 per share.