Indices close on a positive note

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Hayleys, Ceylon Tobacco Company and Royal Ceramics with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.2 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Dipped Products, Access Engineering and Lanka IOC. Mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings, Hayleys and CIC Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Nation Lanka Finance, Hela Apparel Holdings and Raigam Wayamba Salterns. Furthermore, foreigners closed as net sellers.

Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings, Hayleys and Access Engineering) whilst the sector index gained 0.38%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs 0.10 (0.49%) to close at Rs 20.20. The share price of Hayleys gained Rs 4.25 (2.96%) to close at Rs 147.75. The share price of Access Engineering moved up by Rs 0.70 (1.77%) to close at Rs 40.30.

Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover whilst the sector index increased by 0.42%.

CIC Holdings and Sampath Bank were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of CIC Holdings recorded a gain of Rs 4.25 (3.57%) to close at Rs 123.25. The share price of Sampath Bank closed flat at Rs 115.50.