Foreign buying continues

The ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as Ceylinco Insurance, Hayleys and Ceylinco Insurance nonvoting with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.5 bn. 

Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in green. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Vidullanka and Hayleys. 

Mixed interest was observed in Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank and Vallibel Finance whilst retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing, Browns Investments and Waskaduwa Beach Resort. 

Furthermore, foreigners closed as net buyers. Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Hayleys) whilst the sector index edged down by 0.03%. The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs. 0.75 (0.38%) to close at Rs. 197.50. 

The share price of Hayleys gained Rs. 3.00 (2.92%) to close at Rs. 105.75. The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank and Nations Trust Bank ) whilst the sector index increased by 0.29%. 

The share price of Commercial Bank moved up by Rs. 0.50 (0.47%) to close at Rs. 107.00. The share price of Sampath Bank recorded a gain of Rs. 0.30 (0.37%) to close at Rs. 81.70. The share price of Nations Trust Bank appreciated by Rs. 1.50 (1.14%) to close at Rs. 133.50.