Expolanka Holdings, Nestle Lanka support market gains

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka stocks closed 0.07 per cent higher on Thursday.

Colombo’s All Share Price Index gained 0.78 per cent or 4.30 points to close at 6,609.39, Economy Next reported.

The S&P SL20 index of more liquid stocks fell 0.63 per cent or 16.53 points to 2,625.19.

The market turnover was 3.8 billion rupees with 84 stocks gaining and 109 falling.

The market was pushed by index heavy Expolanka Holdings, Nestle Lanka and C T Holdings, Colombo Stock Exchange provisional data showed.

Expolanka Holdings contributed most to ASPI’s gain, gaining 1.20 rupees a share to trade at 26.20 rupees a share.

Nestle Lanka gained 26.50 rupees to trade at 1,203.00 rupees a share and C T Holdings gained 5.70 rupees to trade at 170.00 rupees also contributing to the ASPI gain.

Hatton National Bank fell 2.40 rupees to trade at 131.30 rupees a share, Sampath Bank fell 1.70 rupees to trade at 137.70 rupees a share, Commercial Bank fell 30 cents to trade at 82.90 rupees a share and DFCC bank fell 1.30 rupees a share to trade at 66.20 rupees a share.