Week commences in green

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Expolanka Holdings, LOLC Holdings and Browns Investments with the turnover crossing Rs 2.7 Bn. Similar behavior was witnessed in the S&P SL20.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Expolanka Holdings, Lanka IOC and Softlogic Life Insurance whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, SMB Leasing voting & non voting and LOLC Finance.

Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers. Transportation sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Expolanka Holdings) whilst the sector index gained 9.10%. The share price of Expolanka Holdings increased by Rs 20.00 (9.11%) to close at Rs 239.50. Food, Beverage & Tobacco sector was the second-highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Browns Investments) whilst the sector index increased by 4.32%.

The share price of Browns Investments gained Rs 1.10 (13.10%) to close at Rs 9.50. LOLC Finance, Lanka IOC and Softlogic Life Insurance were also included among the top turnover contributors. The share price of LOLC Finance moved up by Rs 0.90 (9.68%) to close at Rs 10.20.

The share price of Lanka IOC recorded a gain of Rs 8.60 (20.00%) to close at Rs 51.60. The share price of Softlogic Life Insurance appreciated by Rs 9.50 (13.67%) to close at Rs 79.00. Furthermore, Aitken Spence Plantation Managements announced an interim dividend of Rs 11.00 per share whilst John Keels Holdings announced a final dividend of Rs 0.50 per share.