Sri Lanka's bondholders have overwhelmingly approved a debt restructuring plan for US$12.55 billion of international bonds, with 97.86% of bondholders voting in favor during a vote held on December 16, 2024. This marks a significant step for the country, which defaulted on foreign debt for the first time in May 2022. The restructuring includes the introduction of governance-linked bonds, which feature interest rate reductions contingent upon meeting specific governance targets. With this approval, Sri Lanka becomes the fourth country to complete a bond restructuring in 2024, following Ghana, Ukraine, and Zambia. [e3a474e2]
In conjunction with this restructuring, Sri Lanka is also set to issue GDP-linked bonds worth US$10.4 billion and Rs155 billion, further reflecting its efforts to stabilize the economy. These new bonds are scheduled to be issued on December 20, 2024, after a 73% acceptance rate for a 2022 bond exchange. Hamilton Reserve has claimed a 25% share in the security, indicating notable interest from international investors. The new bonds have been provisionally rated Caa1 by Moody's, showcasing cautious optimism surrounding Sri Lanka's economic recovery efforts. Additionally, an extra US$215 million bond will be issued as a fee for exchange acceptance, complicating the financial landscape. The Sri Lankan rupee is currently trading at 290.75/80 to the dollar, while the All Share Price Index has seen a decline of 0.63%, settling at 14,409. [c1c74eb0]
The broader context of Sri Lanka's economic situation reveals that the country has received US$8.4 billion in debt relief from April 2022 to August 2024, according to EconomyNext. The banking system has faced outflows totaling US$7.3 billion during this period, underscoring the financial difficulties. Principal government debt arrears reached US$5.784 billion, while past due interest amounted to US$2.623 billion. The central bank repaid US$3.693 billion in debt, with commercial banks contributing US$3.604 billion. The excess of banking outflows over debt relief stood at US$1.11 billion, raising concerns about potential inflationary pressures and the risk of a second default. [708467f3]
Despite these challenges, the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) has endorsed investment deals worth US$2 billion in 2023, with a significant focus on the energy sector. Investments have come from countries including China, India, the US, and several European nations. The divestment of shares in state-owned enterprises is expected to attract further foreign funding, while Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Thailand and other nations are anticipated to enhance Sri Lanka's investment appeal. [6cbbb62a]
The BOI has reported that total investments reached Rs. 1.8 billion, including US$1.5 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI). Although political uncertainty and economic contraction have posed challenges, FDI projects have increased by 122% in 2023. Key sectors attracting investment include energy, IT, tourism, and manufacturing. [2e3076d3]
In a related initiative, Sampath Bank has partnered with the BOI and the Ministry of Investment Promotion to launch 'Sri Lanka's Banking Guide for Investors & BOI Companies'. This guide aims to provide essential banking insights for investors and BOI companies, covering investment accounts, operational banking, and financial services. The guide is available in both print and electronic formats, reflecting a commitment to facilitating the investment process in Sri Lanka.
Looking ahead, Sri Lanka anticipates private equity deals amounting to $250 million in 2024, driven by opportunities in the private sector following recent interest rate changes in the region. The Managing Director of MCM Partners noted that investment activity is expected to rise as market conditions improve, with Sri Lanka positioned to attract significant investment in the coming years. [62605b12]