Indices gain after three days of losses

ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank and Richard Pieris & Company with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.3 bn. 

Similar behavior was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation were noted in Sampath Bank, Melstacorp and John Keells Holdings. 

Mixed interest was observed in Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank and Ceylon Cold Stores whilst retail interest was noted in UB Finance rights, Prime Lands Residencies and Browns Investments. 

Furthermore, foreigners closed as net sellers. The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover whilst the sector index gained 1.66%. The share price of Sampath Bank increased by Rs. 1.10 (1.42%) to close at Rs. 78.60. 

The share price of Hatton National Bank closed flat at Rs. 194.50. The share price of Commercial Bank appreciated by Rs. 3.50 (3.38%) to close at Rs. 107.00. The food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover whilst the sector index increased by 0.14%. The share price of Melstacorp lost Rs. 0.20 (0.22%) to close at Rs. 88.80. John Keells Holdings was also included among the top turnover contributors. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved up by Rs. 1.00 (0.49%) to close at Rs. 207.00. 

Chevron Lubricants, C.W. Mackie, Vidullanka and Sunshine Holdings declared their dividends of Rs. 4.00, Rs. 8.00, Rs. 0.30 and Rs. 2.00 respectively.