The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank and Browns
Investments with the turnover crossing Rs 1.3 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and
institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Melstacorp and Ceylon Tobacco Company. Mixed
interest was observed in Hayleys Fabric, Aitken Spence and Nations Trust Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Browns
Investments, LOLC Finance and Beruwala Resorts.
Furthermore, foreigners closed as net sellers. Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Hayleys) whilst the sector index gained 0.44%. The share price of John Keells Holdings increased by Rs 0.50 (0.28%) to close at Rs 180.00. The share price of Hayleys edged down by Rs 0.10 (0.11%) to close at Rs 94.10.
Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Melstacorp and Ceylon Tobacco Company) whilst the sector index increased by 0.72%. The share price of Melstacorp lost Rs 0.50 (0.62%) to close at Rs 80.20. The share price of Ceylon Tobacco Company closed flat at Rs 1,250.00.
Hayleys Fabric was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Hayleys Fabric recorded a gain of Rs 1.10 (2.30%) to close at Rs 49.00.