Week begins in green

The ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as Melstacorp, Richard Pieris & Company and Prime Lands Residencies with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.5 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Chevron Lubricants, Melstacorp and LOLC Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Prime Lands Residencies, Hatton National Bank nonvoting and Lee Hedges whilst retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, Co-Operative Insurance Company and Hela Apparel Holdings. 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 Hatton National Bank nonvoting) whilst the sector index lost 0.13%. The share price of Hatton National Bank nonvoting moved up by Rs 0.75 (0.19%) to close at Rs 395.50.

Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover whilst the sector index decreased by 0.68%. Prime Lands Residencies, Chevron Lubricants, Lee Hedges and Agstar were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Prime Lands Residencies increased by Rs 3.00 (5.77%) to close at Rs 55.00. The share price of Chevron Lubricants gained Rs 2.50 (1.25%) to close at Rs 202.00. The share price of Lee Hedges

recorded a gain of Rs 38.50 (16.11%) to close at Rs 277.50. The share price of Agstar appreciated by Rs 0.80 (7.27%) to close at Rs 11.80.