ASPI gains 2.3% during the week

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Senkadagala Finance, Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 6.7 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Sampath Bank, DFCC Bank and Sunshine Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Laugfs Gas, Bogala Graphite Lanka and John Keells Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing, Co-Operative Insurance Company and Industrial Asphalts. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

During the week, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 gained 2.3% and 2.7% respectively, whilst recording an average daily turnover of Rs. 5.73 Bn.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to DFCC Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index gained 1.56%. The share price of DFCC Bank

gained Rs 2.25 (1.39%) to close at Rs 164.25. The share price of Sampath Bank recorded a gain of Rs 2.00 (1.35%) to close at Rs 150.00.

Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 0.84%. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved up by Rs 0.20 (0.92%) to close at Rs 22.00.

Laugfs Gas and Bogala Graphite Lanka were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Laugfs Gas increased by Rs 3.30 (4.82%) to close at Rs 71.70.

The share price of Bogala Graphite Lanka appreciated by Rs 27.25 (24.83%) to close at Rs 137.00.