Sri Lankan shares surge

Sri Lankan shares closed at a more than two-week high led by large-cap beverages stocks while foreign investors picked up beaten down counters ahead of the national budget scheduled on November 10. The benchmark index of the Colombo Stock Exchange ended 0.15 percent firmer, or 9.80 points, at 6,444.97, its highest close since October 21. Turnover stood at 406.1 million rupees ($2.75 million), more than half this year's daily average of 717.4 million.
Foreign investors bought battered stocks for a fourth straight session, picking up shares worth a net 188.9 million rupees. They have net sold 1.02 billion rupees worth of shares so far this year. Shares in Ceylon Cold Store Plc jumped 6.14 percent.