May 05, Colombo: Market picked up slightly with the elevated trading in selective counters. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) gained 12.49 points (0.47 per cent) to close the day at 2648.23, whilst sensitive Milanka Price Index (MPI) edged up 15.69 points (0.48 per cent) to end the day at 3250.99.

Turnover for the day registered at Rs.226.70 million Associated Motorways PLC (AMW) saw a parcel of 100,000 shares been traded at Rs.152.0 as the counter became third highest contributor for the day with Rs.23.18 million.

Tess Agro Ltd. (TESS) was the investors’ pick of the day volume wise as the counter traded 6.55 million shares within a price range of Rs.1.10 and Rs.1.20. Turnover wise Ceylon Hotels Corporation PLC (CHOT) led the list contributing Rs.51.54 million to the day’s turnover after trading second highest volume wise of 1.76 million shares. Ceylon Glass Company PLC (GLAS), Sri Lanka Telecom PLC (SLTL) and Nations Trust Bank PLC (NTB) followed volume wise with 540,700 shares, 530,600 shares and 201,400 shares respectively.

Other top trades turnover wise include SLTL with Rs.26.0 million, Ceylon Guardian Trust Investment PLC (GUAR) with Rs.8.69 million and Balangoda Plantations Ltd. (BALA) with Rs.8.65 million. Price gainers slightly outnumbered Price losers numbering 62 to 59. Foreigners were more prominent on buying side to bring a net inflow of Rs.36.09 million.