Indices close in green

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Expolanka Holdings, Asiri Hospital Holdings and Nestle Lanka with the turnover crossing Rs. 3.0 bn.

A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Expolanka Holdings.

Mixed i nterest was observed in Tokyo Cement Company voting and non voting and Hemas Holdings, whilst retail interest was noted in Hayleys

Fabric, Raigam Wayamba Salterns and Browns Investments. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers. During the week, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 dropped by 4.16% and 4.32% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 3.3 bn. Transportation sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Expolanka Holdings), whilst the sector index gained 9.77%. The share price of Expolanka Holdings increased by Rs 1.30 (9.77%) to close at Rs 14.60.

Materials sector was the second highest contributor to t he market turnover (due to Tokyo Cement Company voting and non voting), whilst the sector index increased by 1.99%. The share price of Tokyo Cement Company gained Rs 1.60 (2.97%) to close at Rs. 55.40. The share price of Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting moved up by Rs 1.50 (3.41%) closing at Rs. 45.50, whilst foreign holdings decreased by 851,825 shares. Hemas Holdings and Hayleys Fabric were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. Furthermore, the share price of Hemas Holdings recorded a gain of Rs. 0.90 (1.27%) to close at Rs. 72.00, whilst the share price of Hayleys Fabric appreciated by Rs. 0.70 (2.93%) to close at Rs .24.60. Furthermore, Harischandra Mills announced a final dividend of Rs. 30.00 per share.