Sri Lanka stocks close up 0.8-pct

May 09, 2011 (LBO) - Sri Lankan stocks closed higher Monday after losses most of the previous week with corporate earnings anticipated this week expected to lift the market, brokers said. The main All Share Price Index closed at 7,377.86, up 0.80 percent (58.71 points) while the more liquid Milanka index rose 0.35 percent (23.53 points) to close at 6,760.41, according to stock exchange provisional figures.

Turnover was 1.6 billion rupees.

There was a single crossing or private deal in conglomerate Hemas Holdings of just over a million shares at 47 rupees each. The share closed at 46.10, up 20 cents.

Bogala Graphite Lanka was the day's highest gainer, rising 39 percent or 22.80 rupees to close at 82.20 rupees with 1.16 million shares traded.

Brown & Company was actively traded and closed at 360.20 rupees, up 3.10 with 426,800 shares done.

Index heavyweight John Keells Holdings closed at 289.90 rupees, up 7.20.