Week begins in green

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Hayleys, Ceylinco Holdings and Ceylon Cold Stores with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.8 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Nations Trust Bank, Hayleys Fabric and Pan Asia Banking Corporation. Mixed interest was observed in Singer Finance, Ceylon Cold Stores and Lanka Milk Foods whilst retail interest was noted in LVL Energy Fund , Hela Apparel Holdings and Alumex. 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 Pan Asia Banking Corporation) whilst the sector index gained 0.47%. The share price of Pan Asia Banking Corporation increased by Rs 1.00 (2.34%) to close at Rs 43.70.

The Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Singer Finance) whilst the sector index increased by 0.48%. The share price of Singer Finance recorded a gain of Rs 2.00 (5.71%) to close at Rs 37.00.

LVL Energy Fund Limited, Alumex and Hemas Holdings were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of LVL Energy Fund Limited gained Rs 0.30 (4.48%) to close at Rs 7.00. The share price of Alumex moved up by Rs 0.20 (1.20%) to close at Rs 16.80. The share price of Hemas Holdings declined by Rs 0.30 (1.01%) to close at Rs 29.30.