Sri Lanka stocks end up 0.6-pct

Sep 07, 2011 (LBO) - Sri Lankan stocks closed higher Wednesday, with several private deals in conglomerate John Keells Holdings boosting turnover and speculative trades continuing in other shares, brokers said.

HVA Foods was also heavily traded, closing at 77.

60 rupees, up 2.50, with 2.85 million shares done. There was a sole crossing of 274,000 HVA shares at 74 rupees each. The main All Share Price Index stayed below the 7,000 point mark but rose 0.60 percent (41.65 points) to 6,997.86, while the more liquid Milanka index rose 0.55 percent (34.40 points) to close at 6,327.48, according to stock exchange figures.

Turnover was 5.8 billion rupees.

There were five crossings or off-market private deals in John Keells Holdings of a total of 17.

2 million shares all at 215 rupees each. The trades accounted for the bulk of the day's turnover, generating 3.7 billion rupees.

JKH closed at 218.50 rupees, up 2.50.

Browns Investments was the most heavily traded stock, closing at 5.90 rupees, up 40 cents, with 36.

6 million shares changing hands.

Ceylon Tea Brokers was also heavily traded, closing at eight rupees, up 70 cents, with 6.

6 million shares done.