Stocks gain on foreign investor buying

REUTERS: Sri Lankan shares edged higher yesterday from their lowest close in more than one week as foreign buying provided some support to the market amid continued political uncertainty, stockbrokers said.

Foreign investors bought shares worth a net Rs.315.9 million yesterday but they have been net sellers of Rs.999.5 million worth of equities so far this year. The market has been awaiting signs of political stability after President Maithripala Sirisena suspended parliament until May 8. A cabinet reshuffle was expected on Monday but government sources said it had been delayed.

The Colombo stock index ended 0.26 percent firmer at 6,533.63, edging up from its lowest close since April 16 hit on Tuesday. The index gained 0.88 percent last week.

“High level of foreign interest in banking shares such as Sampath Bank helped the index,” said First Capital Holdings Research Head Dimantha Mathew.

“We have also seen some interest in blue chips after a while.”

Turnover stood at Rs.845.4 million, less than this year’s daily average of Rs.1.1 billion.

Shares of conglomerate John Keells Holdings PLC rose 1.9 percent, while Ceylon Cold Stores PLC ended 3.2 percent firmer.

Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka PLC closed 2.4 percent higher and Sampath Bank gained 1.3 percent.