Foreign buying continues

The ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Commercial Bank and National Development Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 6.3 bn. 

Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in green. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Commercial Bank, Aitken Spence and John Keells Holdings. 

Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank, Sampath Bank and CIC Holdings nonvoting whilst retail interest was noted in Waskaduwa Beach Resort, LVL Energy Fund and Citrus Leisure. 

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 Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank) whilst the sector index gained 0.53%. 

The share price of Commercial Bank increased by Rs. 3.25 (2.42%) to close at Rs. 137.50. The share price of Hatton National Bank moved down by Rs. 2.00 (0.73%) to close at Rs. 272.00. The share price of Sampath Bank declined by Rs. 1.00 (0.92%) to close at Rs. 107.75. Capital Goods sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to John Keells Holdings and Aitken Spence) whilst the sector index increased by 1.47%. 
The share price of John Keells Holdings gained Rs. 0.60 (2.76%) to close at Rs. 22.30. The share price of Aitken Spence recorded a gain of Rs. 2.75 (2.00%) to close at Rs. 140.00.