Sri Lanka *market update* ASPI gains 1.4-pct

The ASPI gained sharply to close above its six week high due to price gains in Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka. The day’s total turnover crossed LKR 1.0bn mark to which Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka made the highest contribution with the assistance of a crossing. A crossing was also recorded in Textured Jersey Lanka. The bourse saw net foreign selling during the day. The All Share Price Index gained 92.9 points to close at 6,503.3 (+1.4%), while the S&P SL20 Index gained 90.3 points to close at 3,529.7 (+2.6%). Total turnover for the day stood at LKR 1,001.8mn (USD 6,866.2k) vs. 12-months average daily turnover of LKR 944.8mn (USD 6,475.5k), whilst the volume traded for the day was 37,640k against the 12-month average daily volume of 37,151k. Top contributory counters towards the day’s turnover were Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka LKR 261.8mn (USD 1,794.4k, +15.4%), John Keells Holdings (Voting) LKR 113.8mn (USD 780.0k, +2.3%),Textured Jersey Lanka LKR 80.1mn (USD 548.8k, +1.6%), Dialog Axiata LKR 52.9mn (USD 362.8k,0.0%), Chevron Lubricants LKR 52.7mn (USD 360.9k, 0.0%).Foreign purchases amounted to LKR 346.0mn (USD 2,371.3k), whilst foreign sales amounted to LKR 202.7mn (USD 1,389.2k). This resulted in a net foreign inflow of LKR 143.3mn being recorded at the end of the day’s trading.