LTTE ‘peace’ sentiments boost Colombo stocks
2008-11-28 11:35:45

Colombo stocks gained in Friday morning trades essentially after the ‘message of peace’ in LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran’s annual speech on Thursday.

The rebel leader, in a speech to coincide with his birthday and ‘(LTTE) Heroes day’ which is widely awaited by the government and the international community, said the group was prepared for peace and has always been. Analysts said there were no ‘threatening moves’ or an attempt to ‘take the government on’ in his comments. The LTTE is under severe pressure from government forces in the north.

These sentiments were seen in the stockmarket which saw turnover with just 30 minutes of the opening, recording Rs 15 million. “This is low, but still high compared to the levels the market has been posting so far,” a stock broker said, adding there is some active retail buying.

The All Share Index was at 1,651.07 during early trades, up by 20.13 points while the more sensitive Milanka went up by 17.18 points to 1,847.93..