Indices close in green

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Browns Investments, John Keells Holdings and LOLC Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs 2.0 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Lanka Milk Foods and Kandy Hotels Company. Mixed interest was observed in Expolanka Holdings, Browns Investments and LOLC Holdings, whilst retail interest was noted in Beruwala Resorts, Eden

Hotel Lanka and Waskaduwa Beach Resort. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers mainly due to foreign selling in Lanka Milk Foods and Kandy Hotels Company.

Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Lanka Milk Foods and Browns Investments), whilst the sector index gained 0.38%. The share price of Lanka Milk Foods increased by Rs 2.75 (1.71%) closing at Rs 163.75, whilst foreign holdings decreased by 2,000,000 shares.

The share price of Browns Investments recorded a gain of Rs 0.20 (3.28%) to close at Rs 6.30.

Consumer Services sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Kandy Hotels Company), whilst the sector index increased by 3.14%. The share price of Kandy Hotels Company gained Rs 1.00 (19.61%) closing at Rs 6.10, whilst foreign holdings decreased by 36,585,097 shares.

Expolanka Holdings and LOLC Holdings were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Expolanka Holdings moved up by Rs 0.20 (0.38%) to close at Rs 52.90. The share price of LOLC Holdings appreciated by Rs 3.50 (0.84%) to close at Rs 418.25.