Indices close on a mix note

The ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as Cargills, LB Finance and Sampath Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 3.6 bn. 

Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in red. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Sampath Bank, Overseas Realty and Ceylon Cold Stores. 

Mixed interest was observed in LB Finance, Central Finance Company and Seylan Developments whilst retail interest was noted in Nation Lanka Finance, Co-Operative Insurance Company and HNB Finance. 

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers. The Diversified Financials sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to LB Finance and Central Finance Company) whilst the sector index gained 0.80%. The share price of LB Finance gained Rs. 5.75 (5.03%) to close at Rs. 120.00. The share price of Central Finance Company moved up by Rs. 3.75 (1.56%) to close at Rs. 244.25. 

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.03%. The share price of Sampath Bank increased by Rs. 1.00 (0.83%) to close at Rs. 122.00. Seylan Developments and Lanka Aluminium Industries were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Seylan Developments recorded a gain of Rs. 2.60 (9.49%) to close at Rs. 30.00. The share price of Lanka Aluminium Industries appreciated by Rs. 1.20 (2.83%) to close at Rs. 43.60.