ASPI crosses 13,000 mark

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Sampath Bank, Hatton National Bank and LOLC Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 6.9 Bn. Crossings were witnessed in DFCC Bank, Sampath Bank, Agarapatana Plantations, Nations Trust Bank, Commercial Bank, National Development Bank and John Keells Holdings accounting for 51.2% of the turnover. Mixed interest was observed in National Development Bank, Lanka Milk Foods and Browns Investments whilst retail interest was noted in Waskaduwa Beach Resort, Beruwala Resorts and Marawila Resorts. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to DFCC Bank, Sampath Bank, National Development Bank and Nations Trust Bank) whilst the sector index gained 1.59%. The share price of DFCC Bank increased by Rs. 2.40 (2.89%) to close at Rs. 85.50. The share price of Sampath Bank gained Rs. 3.00 (3.35%) to close at Rs. 92.50. The share price of National Development Bank recorded a gain of Rs. 1.80 (2.09%) to close at Rs. 88.00. The share price of Nations Trust Bank appreciated by Rs. 2.00 (1.41%) to close at Rs. 144.25.

John Keells Holdings was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved up by Rs. 0.20 (0.93%) to close at Rs. 21.60.

Furthermore, Asia Siyaka Commodities PLC, Ceylon Grain Elevators PLC, Three Acre Farms PLC and PGP Glass Ceylon PLC announced interim dividend of Rs. 0.22, Rs. 15.00, Rs. 25.00 and Rs. 0.80 per share respectively.