Verified

Indices close on a mixed note

The ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as Ambeon Holdings, Ceylinco Holdings and LOLC Finance with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.1 bn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 edged down. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Asiri Surgical Hospital, Citizens Development Business Finance and Watawala Plantations.

Mixed interest was observed in Lanka Milk Foods, John Keells Holdings and ACL Cables whilst retail interest was noted in Waskaduwa Beach Resort, HNB Finance and ACME Printing & Packaging.

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers. Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Watawala Plantations and Ceylon Cold Stores) whilst the sector index gained 0.78%. The share price of Watawala Plantations moved up by Rs. 1.00 (2.13%) to close at Rs. 47.90. The share price of Ceylon Cold Stores appreciated by Rs. 0.50 (0.42%) to close at Rs. 119.00. Diversified Financials sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Citizens Development Business Finance) whilst the sector index increased by 0.43%.

The share price of Citizens Development Business Finance lost Rs. 0.10 (0.30%) to close at Rs. 33.00. Asiri Surgical Hospital and Commercial Bank were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of Asiri Surgical Hospital decreased by Rs. 2.80 (21.88%) to close at Rs. 10.00. The share price of Commercial Bank closed flat at Rs. 201.00.