The benchmark Colombo All Share Index rose 18 points to close at 5,078.06 points. The Milanka Index of more liquid stocks rose 40 points to close at 4,546.08 points up 0.9 percent.

Turnover was 616 million rupees.

SMB Leasing was the top gainer, rising 10 cents to close at 40 cents rupees up 33.33 percent.

HVA Foods accounted for the biggest turnover with 80 million rupees while Cargills and PC House recorded 76 and 29 million rupees in turnover today.

Newly listed Ramboda falls slipped -1.20 to close at 29.50 rupees down -3.7 percent.

John Keells Holdings, a diversified group gained 3.30 rupees to close at 194.00 rupees up 1.7 percent.

In the banking sector, Hatton National bank closed up at 150.00 rupees, Sampath at 157.00 rupees and Commerical Bank at 100.80 rupees.

Dialog Axiata Sri Lanka closed flat at 6.00 rupees. Aitken Spence rose 0.10 to close at 66.00 rupees.

Distilleries rose 3.00 to close at 133.50 up 2.3 percent while Dockyard rose 2.10 to close at 187.10 rupees.