The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Sri Lanka Telecom, John Keells Holdings and Commercial Leasing & Finance with the turnover crossing Rs. 428 million, NDB Securities said yesterday.  

A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. Market Turnover decreased by 68.2% relative to Tuesday to amount to Rs. 0.43 billion while the crossings amounted to 5.8% of the day’s total turnover. Foreign Investors meanwhile, recorded a net inflow of Rs. 26.3 million over the day compared to a net outflow of Rs. 285.8 million recorded yesterday.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Sanasa Development Bank. 

Mixed interest was observed in Access Engineering, Teejay Lanka and Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments and Tokyo Cement Company. Furthermore, foreigners closed as net buyers.

Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Access Engineering and John Keells Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 2.29%. The share price of Access Engineering increased by Rs. 0.20 (1.33%) to close at Rs. 15.20. The share price of John Keells Holdings recorded a gain of Rs. 3.00 (2.26%) to close at Rs. 136.00.

Banks sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Sampath Bank and Sanasa Development Bank) whilst the sector index increased by 1.79%. The share price of Sampath Bank moved up by Rs. 1.10 (0.75%) to close at Rs. 147.00. The share price of Sanasa Development Bank appreciated by Rs. 0.10 (0.19%) to close at Rs. 51.70.

Teejay Lanka was also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Teejay Lanka gained Rs. 0.60 (1.99%) to close at Rs. 30.80. Furthermore, Aitken Spence Plantation Managements announced its’ interim dividends of Rs. 3.00 per share. 

SEC to take measures to support stock market