Indices bounce back

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Richard Pieris & Company, Ceylinco Holdings and Sampath Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 4.0 bn. 
A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting, Dipped Products, and Melstacorp. 
Mixed interest was observed in Access Engineering, Sierra Cables and Chevron Lubricants, whilst retail interest was noted in Co-Operative Insurance Company, Hikkaduwa Beach Resort and LOLC 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 Access Engineering and Sierra Cables) whilst the sector index gained 0.95%. The share price of Access Engineering decreased by Rs. 1.40 (1.89%) to close at Rs. 72.60. The share price of Sierra Cables recorded a gain of Rs. 0.90 (2.81%) to close at Rs. 32.90. 
Materials sector was the second-highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting and Chevron Lubricants) whilst the sector index increased by 1.31%. The share price of Tokyo Cement Company nonvoting gained Rs. 2.50 (3.27%) to close at Rs. 79.00. The share price of Chevron Lubricants appreciated by Rs. 1.75 (0.98%) to close at Rs. 180.00. Hatton National Bank nonvoting was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Hatton National Bank nonvoting moved up by Rs. 0.75 (0.24%) to close at Rs. 310.25.