Week begins on a positive note

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as National Development Bank, Dialog Axiata and Melstacorp with the turnover crossing Rs. 4.8 Bn. Crossings were witnessed in Ceylon Tobacco Company, Commercial Bank and Sierra Cables accounting for 57.8% of the turnover. Mixed interest was observed in Asiri Hospital Holdings, Housing Development Finance Corporation and Janashakthi Holdings Plc whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing, Citrus Leisure and ACME Printing & Packaging. Furthermore, foreigners remained active closing as net sellers.
Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Ceylon Tobacco Company) whilst the sector index gained 1.30%. The share price of Ceylon Tobacco Company decreased by Rs 8.75 (0.48%) to close at Rs 1,800.00.
The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank and Housing Development Finance Corporation) whilst the sector index increased by 0.70%. The share price of Commercial Bank gained Rs 0.75 (0.36%) to close at Rs 210.00. The share price of Housing Development Finance Corporation recorded a gain of Rs 10.90 (16.17%) to close at Rs 78.30. 
Asiri Hospital Holdings and Janashakthi Holdings Plc were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Asiri Hospital Holdings moved up by Rs 2.90 (7.07%) to close at Rs 43.90. The share price of Janashakthi Holdings Plc appreciated by Rs 0.20 (1.50%) to close at Rs 101.75.