Colombo Stock Exchange indices were trading higher at midday on Thursday, recovering ground after Wednesday’s second consecutive decline.
The benchmark All Share Price Index was up 0.14 percent, or 29.20 points, at 21,445.77. The more liquid S&P SL20 gained 0.24 percent, or 14.74 points, to 6,035.12.
Dialog Axiata led the positive contributors, up 0.86 percent at Rs. 46.90, followed by Commercial Bank of Ceylon at Rs. 204.00 (up 0.49 percent), Hayleys at Rs. 227.75 (up 0.77 percent) and Aitken Spence at Rs. 141.75 (up 1.43 percent).
On the other side, John Keells Holdings slipped 0.50 percent to Rs. 19.80 and Malwatte Valley Plantations fell 6.98 percent to Rs. 52.00.
Market turnover stood at Rs. 454.6 million by midday. Banks led the day’s activity with Rs. 231.7 million.
Singer Finance plans rights issue
Singer Finance (Lanka) said it will raise capital through a rights issue of up to 76,648,787 ordinary voting shares priced at Rs. 39.20 each, offered in the proportion of eight new shares for every 29 already held.
The company said the proceeds will go towards improving its capital adequacy ratios and towards lending. Its shares were trading up 1.45 percent at Rs. 49.00 when EconomyNext reported the announcement — a premium to the rights price.
