Indices gain with crossings driving turnover

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Hatton National Bank, Sampath Bank and Commercial Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.1 Bn. 

Crossings were witnessed in Lankem Ceylon, Commercial Bank and Teejay Lanka accounting for 59.5% of the turnover. 

Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank, Hatton National Bank nonvoting and Softlogic Life Insurance whilst retail interest was noted in John Keells Holdings, Hela Apparel Holdings and Browns Investments. 

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 Lankem Ceylon and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index edged up by 0.02%. 

The share price of Lankem Ceylon increased by Rs. 2.30 (2.80%) to close at Rs. 84.50. The share price of John Keells Holdings gained Rs. 0.10 (0.50%) to close at Rs. 20.20. 

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index increased by 0.56%. 

The share price of Commercial Bank moved up by Rs. 0.75 (0.51%) to close at Rs. 147.75. The share price of Sampath Bank recorded a gain of Rs. 0.75 (0.62%) to close at Rs 122.00. Teejay Lanka was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Teejay Lanka appreciated by Rs. 0.10 (0.20%) to close at Rs. 51.10.