ASPI closes, surpassing 23,000 mark

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Senkadagala Finance, National Development Bank and Colombo Dockyard with the turnover crossing Rs. 6.0 bn. 

A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. 

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Laugfs Gas, Hemas Holdings and John Keells Holdings. 

Mixed interest was observed in Colombo Dockyard, Sierra Cables and Sunshine Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Hikkaduwa Beach Resort, Jetwing Symphony and CIC Holdings nonvoting. 

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers. The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Colombo Dockyard, John Keells Holdings and Hemas Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 1.14%. The share price of Colombo Dockyard gained Rs. 57.00 (14.07%) to close at Rs. 462.00. 

The share price of John Keells Holdings moved up by Rs. 0.40 (1.87%) to close at Rs. 21.80. The share price of Hemas Holdings appreciated by Rs. 1.00 (2.85%) to close at Rs. 36.10. 

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Nations Trust Bank ) whilst the sector index increased by 1.16%. The share price of Nations Trust Bank recorded a gain of Rs. 13.50 (4.67%) to close at Rs. 302.75. Laugfs Gas was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Laugfs Gas increased by Rs. 1.80 (2.70%) to close at Rs. 68.40.