The bourse closed 0.75 percent or 26.43 points firmer at an all-time high close of 3563.14. The hotel and travels sector index hit a record high and closed with a 4.57 percent gain on retail buying. "Investors expect a greater tourism season this year," said Harsha Fernando, CEO at SC Securities. "Since room rates have also been increased, high revenues are expected."
Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka, which fell 19.8 percent in the first five months of 2009 due to a long-running civil war, gained 2.1 percent to 447,890 in for the full year.
The state tourism authority has forecast 600,000 arrivals this year with a 25 percent rise in revenue to $500 million. John Keells Hotels jumped 8.47 percent to an over one-year high of 32 rupees, while Asian Hotel Properties gained 3.34 percent to 108.25 rupees. Market heavyweight John Keells Holdings closed flat at 179 rupees. In a statement to the bourse, Janus Capital Management, an investment advisor registered under the US Investment Advisers Act, said it is holding a 12.23 percent stake of the John Keells Holdings on behalf of its clients.