Net foreign buying after 21 sessions

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Bukit Darah, Central Finance Company and Melstacorp with the turnover crossing Rs. 3.5bn. 

Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 edged down. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in ACL Cables, Hemas Holdings and Singhe Hospitals. Mixed interest was observed in Citrus Leisure, Softlogic Finance and Hikkaduwa Beach Resort whilst retail interest was noted in Waskaduwa Beach Resort, LVL Energy Fund and Beruwala Resorts. 

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers. Consumer Services sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Citrus Leisure Plc and Hikkaduwa Beach Resort) whilst the sector index gained 0.51%. 

The share price of Citrus Leisure Plc decreased by Rs. 0.40 (8.89%) to close at Rs. 4.10. The share price of Hikkaduwa Beach Resort moved down by Rs. 0.30 (4.55%) to close at Rs. 6.30. Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Softlogic Finance and Softlogic Capital) whilst the sector index increased by 0.85%. 

The share price of Softlogic Finance lost Rs. 0.60 (6.74%) to close at Rs. 8.30. The share price of Softlogic Capital appreciated by Rs. 0.20 (1.18%) to close at Rs 17.20. Asiri Surgical Hospital was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Asiri Surgical Hospital recorded a gain of Rs. 2.80 (11.57%) to close at Rs. 27.00.