Week begins in green

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Commercial Bank, Ceylon Tobacco Company and Melstacorp with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.4 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hatton National Bank, Ceylon Cold Stores and Pan Asia Banking Corporation. Mixed interest was observed in Lanka Aluminium Industries, John Keells Holdings and Commercial Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, LOLC Finance and Softlogic Finance. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers.

The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank, Pan Asia Banking Corporation and Commercial Bank) whilst the sector index gained 1.39%. The share price of Hatton National Bank increased by Rs. 3.25 (1.43%) to close at Rs. 230.00. The share price of Pan Asia Banking Corporation recorded a gain of Rs. 0.80 (3.08%) to close at Rs. 26.80. The share price of Commercial Bank appreciated by Rs. 3.25 (2.83%) to close at Rs. 118.25.

Lanka Aluminium Industries and John Keells Holdings were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Lanka Aluminium Industries gained Rs. 1.60 (6.18%) to close at Rs. 27.50. The share price of John Keells Holdings moved down by Rs. 0.30 (1.42%) to close at Rs. 20.90.