Sri Lankan stocks rose on Friday as buying in select counters helped snap six days of losses, but most blue chips continued to fall ahead of April 2 general elections.
The key Colombo all-share index ended up 1.70 percent, or 20.31 points, at 1,216.05, but the Milanka index which tracks the most liquid and highly capitalised stocks fell 0.68 percent, to 1,950.40.
Among the gainers were NDB Bank Ltd, which rose 8.91 percent, or 2.25 rupees, to 27.50 rupees on foreign buying, and plantations management firm Carson Cumberbatch, which gained 5.71 percent, or 400 rupees, to 7,400 rupees. Brokers said there was speculation of a bonus issue and the expectation of a strong dividend for the company, which has only small, issued capital and is infrequently traded.
Most blue chips lost ground, with uncertainty surrounding the approaching poll keeping investors on the sidelines. "There was some foreign interest today, but I think most of the local investors are still very cagey. Some have sold most of their holdings already, until we see what happens in the election," said one broker.
Total market turnover was 175.4 million rupees, of which foreign buying accounted for 45.3 million rupees and foreign sales 21.1 million rupees.
Conglomerate John Keells Holdings Ltd was the most actively traded stock, and fell 1.61 percent, or 1.75 rupees, to 107.25 rupees.