Indices bounce back

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Hatton National Bank, Sampath Bank and Commercial Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.7bn. 

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Aitken Spence and Lanka Milk Foods. 

Mixed interest was observed in Dialog Axiata, Lanka IOC and National Development Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, LOLC Finance and Co-Operative Insurance Company. 

Furthermore, foreigners closed as net buyers. Telecommunication Services sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Dialog Axiata) whilst the sector index gained 0.46%. The share price of Dialog Axiata closed flat at Rs. 11.50. 

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to National Development Bank) whilst the sector index increased by 1.45%. The share price of National Development Bank recorded a gain of Rs. 1.80 (2.30%) to close at Rs. 80.00. 

Lanka IOC, Browns Investments and Aitken Spence were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Lanka IOC gained Rs. 2.00 (1.53%) to close at Rs. 132.50. The share price of Browns Investments closed flat at Rs. 6.60. The share price of Aitken Spence appreciated by Rs. 0.25 (0.19%) to close at Rs. 130.25. Furthermore, Ceylon Cold Stores and Lion Brewery announced their dividends of Rs. 0.89 and Rs. 12.50 per share respectively.