Reuters - Sri Lankan share index ended at its highest close in more than five weeks on Wednesday, gaining for a sixth straight session, but many market participants stayed away due to extended holidays after the Sinhala-Tamil New Year festival last weekend.

The Colombo stock index ended 0.12 percent higher at 6,551.83, its highest close since March 13. The index gained 0.44 percent last week.

Turnover stood at 188.3 million rupees ($1.21 million), well below this year’s daily average of 1.13 billion rupees.

The market was waiting for some political stability after President Maithripala Sirisena suspended parliament until May 8, brokers said.

Foreign investors bought shares worth a net 24.3 million rupees on Wednesday, but they have net sold 1.33 billion rupees worth of equities so far this year.

The central bank unexpectedly cut its key lending rate by 25 basis points early this month, as policy makers sought to revitalise an economy growing at its weakest pace in 16 years and facing heightened political uncertainty.