ASPI gains 2.4% for the week

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Distilleries, Singer Sri Lanka and Melstacorp with the turnover crossing Rs 1.6 Bn. A similar behavior was witnessed in the S&P SL20.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Ceylon Tobacco Company, John Keells Holdings and Hatton National Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Access Engineering, R I L Property and Expolanka Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, Nation Lanka Finance and Sierra Cables.

Furthermore, foreigners closed as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in John Keells Holdings. During the week, the ASPI and S&P SL 20 gained 2.40% and 1.62% respectively, while recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 1.89 bn.

Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Access Engineering and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.09%. The share price of Access Engineering increased by Rs. 0.60 (2.64%) to close at Rs. 23.30.

The share price of John Keells Holdings closed flat at Rs 135.90 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 619,876 shares. Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Ceylon Tobacco Company) whilst the sector index increased by 0.40%. The share price of Ceylon Tobacco

Company moved down by Rs. 1.80 (0.19%) to close at Rs. 948.20. Sampath Bank and Hatton National Bank were also included amongst the top turnover contributors.

Moreover, the share price of Sampath Bank recorded a gain of Rs. 1.50 (1.22%) to close at Rs. 124.00 while the share price of Hatton National Bank appreciated by Rs 1.60 (1.36%) to close at Rs. 119.60. Furthermore, Asiri Surgical Hospital and Asiri Hospital Holdings announced their interim dividends of Rs. 0.25 and Rs. 0.80 per share respectively.