Crossings boost turnover to Rs. 5bn

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Sampath Bank, Hatton National Bank and Lion Brewery with the turnover crossing Rs. 5.0 bn. 

A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. Crossings were witnessed in Sampath Bank, John Keells Holdings, Hatton National Bank, Royal Ceramics, LB Finance, DFCC Bank, Nations Trust Bank, Commercial Bank, Hemas Holdings and Agalawatte Plantations accounting for 46.4% of the turnover. 

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Sampath Bank, John Keells Holdings and Hatton National Bank. 

Mixed interest was observed in Citrus Leisure, Hemas Holdings and Beruwala Resorts whilst retail interest was noted in Co-Operative Insurance Company, LOLC Finance and SMB Leasing. 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 Sampath Bank and Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index gained 1.38%. The share price of Sampath Bank increased by Rs. 2.50 (2.62%) to close at Rs. 97.80. The share price of Hatton National Bank moved up by Rs. 3.50 (1.52%) to at Rs. 233.50. 
Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Hemas Holdings) whilst the sector index increased by 0.55%. The share price of John Keells Holdings gained Rs. 0.10 (0.50%) to close at Rs. 20.00. 

The share price of Hemas Holdings appreciated by Rs. 1.00 (1.21%) to close at Rs. 83.50. LB Finance was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of LB Finance recorded a gain of Rs 1.10 (1.40%) to close at Rs. 79.50.