Sri Lanka stocks close up 0.18-pct

July 27, 2011 (LBO) - Sri Lankan stocks close up for the second straight day, with recently listed Swarnamahal Financial Services, dominating trading brokers said. The benchmark All Share Price Index up 0.18 percent or 11.98 points to 6,505.56, while the Milanka Index of more liquid stocks closed up 0.26 percent (0.57 points) to 5,943.91, according to stock exchange provisional figures.

Turnover was 1.96 billion rupees. There were 134 gainers and 83 losers.

Swarnamahal Financial was the main contributor to the day’s turnover, closing at 125.20 rupees up 12.70 rupees or 11.29 percent with 1.3 million shares worth 158.7 million rupees changing hands.

Vallibel One closed at 28.50 rupees down 0.70 rupees or 0.20 percent. More than 1.2 million Vallibel One shares were traded at generating 34.7 million rupees.

Browns Investments closed at 4.90 rupees up 0.10 rupees or 2.08 percent. More than 6.4 million Browns Investments shares were traded generating 32 million rupees.

Gestetner of Ceylon PLC, an office equipment firm was the highest percentage gainer of the day closing at 250.00 rupees up 38.80 rupees or 19.50 percent.

Renewed interest also shown in First Capital, Watapotha and The Finance non –voting, broker said.

Wednesday’s crossings or off market private deals were Amana Takaful 150 million shares at 02 rupees and Brown & Company PLC 2,543,400 shares at 290 rupees.