Turnover crosses LKR 9.2 BN

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Central Finance Company, Ceylon Cold Stores and Melstacorp with the turnover crossing Rs. 9.2 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in The Colombo Fort Land & Building, SMB Leasing and Housing Development Finance Corporation. Mixed interest was observed in Sierra Cables, Hatton National Bank and Royal Ceramics whilst retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, SMB Leasing nonvoting and Renuka Agri Foods.
Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers. During the week, the ASPI and S&P SL20 gained 4.3% and 4.2% respectively, while recording an average turnover of Rs. 7.15 Bn.

Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Sierra Cables, Royal Ceramics and Access Engineering) whilst the sector index gained 0.79%. The share price of Sierra Cables increased by Rs. 0.90 (7.50%) to close at
Rs. 12.90. The share price of Royal Ceramics moved up by Rs. 1.40 (3.71%) to close at Rs. 39.10. The share price of Access Engineering appreciated by Rs. 2.20 (6.88%) to close at Rs.34.20.
The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index increased by 0.54%. The share price of Hatton National Bank edged down by Rs. 0.25 (0.09%) to close at Rs.272.00.
Lanka Milk Foods was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Lanka Milk Foods recorded a gain of Rs. 1.50 (3.50%) to close at Rs. 44.30.