Week begins in green

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. 5.6 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Seylan Bank nonvoting, Dialog Axiata and Royal Ceramics. Mixed interest was observed in Colombo Dockyard, HVA Foods and Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing, Co- Operative Insurance Company and HNB 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 Seylan Bank nonvoting and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index gained 2.16%. The share price of Seylan Bank nonvoting increased by Rs 3.10 (4.08%) to close at Rs 79.00. The share price of Sampath Bank recorded a gain of Rs 4.25 (2.73%) to close at Rs160.00.

Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Colombo Dockyard) whilst the sector index increased by 0.65%. The share price of Colombo Dockyard gained Rs 7.25 (4.68%) to close at Rs162.25.

HVA Foods and Ceylon Land & Equity were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of HVA Foods moved down by Rs 0.90 (16.98%) to close at Rs 4.40. 

The share price of Ceylon Land & Equity appreciated by Rs 4.00 (18.52%) to close at Rs 25.60.