Sri Lanka stocks close up 0.08-pct

Apr 30, 2015 (LBO) - Sri Lanka's stocks closed higher at 0.08 percent with the banking sector stocks trading actively, brokers said. The Colombo benchmark All Share Price Index closed 5.63 points higher at 7,179.00 up 0.08 per cent. The S&P SL20 closed 5.01 points higher at 4,053.45 up 0.12 per cent. “The day’s trading was comparatively better than the last few weeks with signs of the market getting back to normal been witnessed even though there were no significant crossings,” Lanka Securities said. “The uncertainty surrounding the country’s political stability been somewhat resolved with the passing of the 19A to the constitution earlier this week could be the reason for this.” Turnover was 801.77 million rupees down from 974.68 million rupees a day earlier, with 111 stocks closing positive against 84 negative. In the banking sector DFCC closed at 216.00 rupees, up 1.00 rupee and NDB closed at 266.40 rupees, up 1.40 rupees. Hatton National Bank closed at 2230.80 rupees, up 0.60 rupees. Dialog Axaita closed at 11.50 rupees up 0.20 rupees and Janashakthi Insurance closed at 22.90 rupees up 40 cents, contributing most to the index gain. Index heavy John Keells Holdings dropped 70 cents to close at 206.20 rupees and Sri Lanka Telecom closed 10 cents higher at 47.10 rupees.