Both Indices gain 5% in September

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Expolanka Holdings, John Keells Holdings and Brown & Company with the turnover crossing Rs. 6.9 bn.

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

Mixed interest was observed in LOLC Holdings, Teejay Lanka and Royal Ceramics whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, Marawila Resorts and Ambeon Capital. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

During the month, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 gained 5.14% and 5.06% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs.

6.41 bn. Transportation sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Expolanka Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 3.10%. The share price of Expolanka Holdings increased by Rs. 6.00 (3.10%) to close at Rs. 199.25.

Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Brown & Company) whilst the sector index increased by 0.96%. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved up by Rs. 3.25 (2.22%) closing at Rs. 149.75 whilst foreign holdings decreased by 6,005,260 shares.

The share price of Brown & Company appreciated by Rs. 14.25 (6.96%) to close at Rs. 219.00. Browns Investments and LOLC Holdings were also included amongst the top turnover contributors.

The share price of Browns Investments lost

Rs. 0.30 (2.86%) to close at Rs. 10.20. The share price of LOLC Holdings recorded a loss of Rs. 1.25 (0.20%) to close at Rs. 620.00.

Furthermore, Kelani Valley Plantations and Hayleys Fibre announced their interim dividends of Rs. 0.70 and Rs. 1.00 per share respectively.