Sri Lanka *market update* ASPI close up 1.0-pct, T/O Rs.631Mn

The ASPI gained sharply due to price gains in market heavy weights such as John Keells Holdings, Cargills Ceylon, Ceylon Tobacco Company, Commercial Bank of Sri Lanka and Hatton National Bank. The day’s total turnover was recorded sharply below the twelve month average daily turnover to which Hemas Holdings contributed the majority. Foreign investors were net buyers during the day. The All Share Price Index gained 66.8 points to close at 6,583.1 (+1.0%), while the S&P SL20 Index gained 57.9 points to close at 3,493.5(+1.7%).  Total turnover for the day stood at LKR 621.5mn (USD 4,274.7k) vs. 12-months average daily turnover of LKR 1,073.1mn (USD 7,380.5k), whilst the volume traded for the day was 23,907k against the 12-month average daily volume of 42,147k. Top contributory counters towards the day’s turnover were Hemas Holdings LKR 53.9mn (USD 370.4k, +0.1%), People’s Leasing & Finance LKR 49.3mn (USD 339.4k, 0.0%), Sampath Bank LKR 39.5mn (USD 271.7k, +2.5%) John Keells Holdings (Voting) LKR 32.0mn (USD 220.0k, +1.7%), Access Engineering LKR 29.4mn (USD 202.1k, 0.0%). · Foreign purchases amounted to LKR 132.2mn (USD 909.0k), whilst foreign sales amounted to LKR 102.6mn (USD 705.6k). This resulted in a net foreign inflow of LKR 29.6mn being recorded at the end of the day’s trading.