Turnover exceeds Rs. 1 bn after 11 sessions

Both ASPI and S&P SL20 closed in green due to price gains in counters such as Distilleries, John Keells Holdings and Commercial Bank with turnover crossing Rs 1.0 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was witnessed indistilleries, John Keells Holdings, Dialog Axiata andtextured Jersey Lanka. Mixed interest was observed in Expolanka Holdings and Access Engineering whilst retail interest was noted in Kelani Tyres, Asian Alliance Insurance and Sierra Cables. Meanwhile, foreigners remained active closing as net buyers mainly due to foreign purchasing in Distilleries and John Keells Holdings.

Beverage, Food and Tobacco sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Distilleries) whilst the sector index gained 2.19%. The share price of Distilleries increased by Rs 37.00 (15.42%) to close at Rs 277.00.

Manufacturing sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Textured Jersey Lanka and Chevron Lubricants) whilst the sector index increased by 0.56%. The share price of Textured Jersey Lanka moved up by Rs 0.60 (1.59%) to close at Rs 38.40. The share price of Chevron Lubricants closed flat at Rs 167.00.

John Keells Holdings and Dialog Axiata were also included amongst the top turnover contributors. The share price of John Keells Holdings gained Rs 3.30 (2.34%) to close at Rs 144.10. The share price of Dialog Axiata closed flat at Rs 11.00.

Furthermore, Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka announced a final dividend of Rs 3.35 per share whilst E. B. Creasy & Company announced a first & final dividend of Rs 30.00 per share.