Indices close on a positive note

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank and Melstacorp with the turnover crossing Rs. 4.4 bn. 

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hatton National Bank, Access Engineering and John Keells Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank, Hemas Holdings and Commercial Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, SMB Leasing voting and non-voting. 

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net buyers. The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index gained 1.11%. The share price of Hatton National Bank gained Rs. 2.25 (0.95%) to close at Rs. 240.25. 

The share price of Sampath Bank moved up by Rs. 1.20 (1.20%) to close at Rs. 101.00. Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Access Engineering, Hemas Holdings and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 0.54%. 

The share price of Access Engineering  increased by Rs. 0.70 (2.39%) to close at Rs. 30.00. The share price of Hemas Holdings recorded a gain of Rs. 2.10 (2.41%) to close at Rs. 89.10. The share price of John Keells Holdings appreciated by Rs. 0.20 (0.97%) to close at Rs. 20.80.