Indices close on positive note

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank and Melstacorp with the turnover crossing Rs. 727 mn. 
High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hatton National Bank, Standard Capital, and Windforce. 

Mixed interest was observed in Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings, Lanka IOC and Expolanka Holdings whilst retail interest was noted in Industrial Asphalts, Browns Investments and SMB Leasing nonvoting. Furthermore, foreigners closed as net sellers. 
The Banking sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hatton National Bank) whilst the sector index gained 1.85%. The share price of Hatton National Bank increased by Rs. 2.00 (1.69%) to close at Rs. 120.00. 

Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover whilst the sector index increased by 0.41%. Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings, Lanka IOC, Standard Capital and Expolanka Holdings were also included among the top turnover contributors. The share price of Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings gained Rs. 1.10 (1.95%) to close at Rs. 57.50. 
The share price of Lanka IOC moved down by Rs. 0.75 (0.57%) to close at Rs. 130.00. The share price of Standard Capital recorded a loss of Rs. 0.40 (1.12%) to close at Rs. 35.30. The share price of Expolanka Holdings declined by Rs. 0.50 (0.37%) to close at Rs. 136.00. 
Furthermore, John Keells Holdings announced its final dividend of Rs. 0.5 per share.