Sri Lanka shares close up 0.1-pct

Apr 24, 2014 (LBO) - Sri Lanka's shares end 0.09 percent higher with telco and diversified stocks gaining amid strong foreign buying, brokers said. The Colombo benchmark All Share Price Index closed 5.36 points higher at 6,178.13 up 0.09 percent. The S&P SL20 closed 21.01 points higher at 3,394.56, up 0.62 percent.

Turnover was 1.13 billion rupees, up from 670.86 million rupees a day earlier with 76 stocks close positive against 90 negative.

George Steuart Finance closed 1.90 rupees lower at 155.10 rupees with an off market transaction of 329.10 million rupees contributing to 29 percent of the daily turnover while trading heavily on the market.

All off market transactions accounted for 43 percent of the total turnover.

Foreign investors bought 507.23 million rupees worth shares while selling 151.40 million rupees worth shares.

Bukit Darah closed 54.00 rupees higher at 595.00 rupees and SLT closed 1.70 rupees higher at 48.40 rupees, contributing most to the index gain.

Trans Asia Hotels closed 5.70 rupees higher at 88.90 rupees and Royal Ceramics Lanka closed 4.70 rupees higher at 99.90 rupees.

Hatton National Bank closed 1.80 rupees higher at 156.90 rupees and Commercial Bank closed 50 cents higher at 127.30 rupees.

Carson Cumberbatch closed 11.00 rupees lower at 376.00 rupees and Finlays Colombo closed 46.90 rupees lower at 258.30 rupees.

Asian Hotels and Properties closed 2.60 rupees lower at 64.20 rupees and John Keells Holdings closed 1.50 rupees lower at 237.50 rupees.

JKHâ€™s W0022 warrants closed 2.10 rupees lower at 66.90 rupees and its W0023 warrants closed 2.00 rupees lower at 73.60 rupees.