Week commences on a positive note

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Commercial Bank

and Sampath Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.9 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Sampath Bank, Melstacorp and the Lighthouse Hotel. Mixed interest was observed in John Keells Holdings, Lankem Developments and Pan Asia Banking Corporation whilst retail interest was noted in Hela Apparel Holdings, LOLC Finance and Nation Lanka Finance. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 0.74%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs 0.30 (1.48%) to close at Rs 20.60.

Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Lankem Developments) whilst the sector index increased by 0.13%. The share price of Lankem Developments gained Rs 1.10 (5.29%) to close at Rs 21.90.

Sampath Bank, Pan Asia Banking Corporation and The Lighthouse Hotel were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Sampath Bank moved up by Rs 1.00 (0.92%) to close at Rs 109.50. The share price of Pan Asia Banking Corporation recorded a gain of Rs 0.80 (2.13%) to close at Rs 38.30. The share price of The Lighthouse Hotel appreciated by Rs 2.40 (3.96%) to close at Rs 63.00.