Dec 03, 2015 (LBO) – Sri Lankan stocks closed up at 0.26 percent after sixth straight day of losses backed by gains in index heavy and some banking sector stocks, brokers said.

The Colombo benchmark All Share Price Index closed up 17,87 points at 6,880.66 up 0.26 percent. S&P SL20 closed 9.93 points higher at 3,647.68 up 0.27 percent.

Turnover was 1.2 billion rupees, higher than the daily average of 1.1 billion rupees with 65 stocks closing positive against 73 negative.

“Active trading was seen in the index heavy and some of the banking stocks after losses made in the last six sessions,” Lanka Securities said.

The main index showed gains in Ceylon Tabacco Company closing at 999.10 rupees, up 9.10 rupees with one off the floor trade of 107, 000 shares at 1000.00 rupees.

John Keells Holdings closing at 180.70 rupees, up 0.70 rupees and Nestle Lanka closed at 2,124.20 rupees, up 17.30 rupees.

Active trading was seen Lion Brewery with the stock closing flat at 630.00 rupees with four off the floor traded amounting to 482,000 shares at 630.00 rupees.

“The four crossings accounted for 48 percent of the days turnover.” Lanka Securities said. In the banking sector Commercial Bank closed at 141.40, up 0.70 rupees and Hatton National bank closed at 215.00 rupees, up 1.00 rupee.