Turnover crosses Rs. 6 bn

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as LOLC Holdings, Ceylon Cold Stores and John Keells Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 6.4 bn. 

A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Sampath Bank, LOLC Holdings and Hemas Holdings. 

Mixed interest was observed in Sierra Cables, Central Finance Company and Sunshine Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Singhe Hospitals, Hela Apparel Holdings and Lanka Credit and Business Finance. 

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers. The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index gained 0.28%. The share price of Sampath Bank increased by Rs. 0.50 (0.44%) to close at Rs. 114.25. 

Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hemas Holdings and Sierra Cables) whilst the sector index increased by 1.06%. The share price of Hemas Holdings moved up by Rs 0.50 (1.82%) to close at Rs. 28.00. The share price of Sierra Cables recorded a gain of Rs. 0.40 (2.26%) to close at Rs. 18.10. 

LOLC Holdings and Central Finance Company were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of LOLC Holdings gained Rs. 23.50 (3.92%) to close at R.s 623.50. The share price of Central Finance Company appreciated by Rs. 5.50 (2.64%) to close at Rs. 213.75. 

Furthermore, the following companies announced interim dividend: Rs. 0.55 per share for RIL Property, Rs. 4.00 per share for Chevron Lubricants, Rs. 0.60 per share for Prime Land Residencies and Rs. 2.00 per share for United Motors Lanka.