Colombo shares saw some positive trades on Monday on the back of Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Thilak Karunaratne's resignation with turnover up sharply to Rs 1.76 billion.
Brokers said that most counters saw relatively good activity with many private deals taking place including companies related to the Asiri Hospitals Group. "Asiri Central was the highlight of the day with foreign investment fund Actis Investments buying 2.4 million shares at Rs. 250. The transaction was executed in four crossings and accounts of 10.8% of the company with Softlogic Holdings and Dai-Nishi securities (a subsidiary of Softlogic Holdings) being the seller," an analyst said. Further deals were witnessed in Asiri Hospital Holdings with an on board transaction of 81 million shares accounting for 9.1% of the company at a price of Rs 7.5. The seller was disclosed to be SSP Corporate Services on behalf of Asiri Hospital Holdings - Employee Share Trust with Softlogic Holdings being on the buying side.
Top contributors to turnover were Asiri Hospital Holdings with Rs. 611.7 million followed by Asha Central with Rs. 604.3 million and Lion Breweries with Rs. 276.3 million. Most active counters for the day were York Arcade, Tess Agro and Raigam Wayamba Salt. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) climbed 0.45% (22.33 points) over last Friday’s close to end at 4,949.46 points. The Milanka Price Index (MPI) gained 0.44% (19.83 points) whilst the S&P SL 20 Index (S&P) witnessed a rise of 0.26% (7.23 points. The MP & the S&P SL20 closed the day at 4,569.85 points & 2,799.31 points respectively.
Foreign participation was 28 % of total market turnover and foreigners were net buyers of Rs. 980.2 million. (DEC)
Colombo shares in positive zone, turnover at Rs 1.76 bln
