Business
SL facing the challenge of attracting ESG conscious foreign and local investors
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Sri Lanka appears to be facing the challenge of attracting local and foreign investors towards Sustainable Bonds; the likes of Green Bonds and Blue Bonds, and other sustainable debt instruments that have a common goal to create a sustainable ecosystem, and are becoming an important part of global fixed income markets.
This was made known during the course of a speech made by the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Faizal Salieh, at a seminar centred on ‘Unlocking Opportunities through Sustainable Bonds: Towards a Greener Economy’.
The event had been organized by the SEC, The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) at Shangri-La Colombo on July 3.
“The challenge is how quickly can Sri Lanka socialize these bonds and attract ESG conscious foreign investors, whilst being mindful of Sri Lanka’s default sovereign rating hurdle. We also need to build an ESG conscious local investor base,” he said.
“We are witnessing a new landscape of ESG conscious investor activism evolving in the world today, inspiring and moving markets towards a greener horizon. Investors are becoming more and more conscious and concerned about impact reporting, climate change mitigation, social equity considerations, transition towards a circular economy, and are driving the demand for innovative green financing and green financial instruments. A green and sustainable economic environment is now the joint responsibility of the government, business and civil society,” he pointed out.
Speaking further the SEC chairman said,” Sustainable Bonds, the likes of Green Bonds and Blue Bonds, and other sustainable debt instruments have a common purpose and goal to create a sustainable ecosystem and are becoming an important part of global fixed income markets. According to a report by the Climate Bonds Initiative, green bonds issued reached a record high of USD 1.1 trillion in 2023, driven by strong demand from investors seeking to finance climate-friendly projects. In the global stock take, nature and biodiversity are key factors for mitigating risks and protecting vulnerable communities in a heating planet. Nature-based financial solutions are crucial in this regard and the compelling reason for markets to embrace and enable sustainable debt instruments.”
“COP 28 has identified the continuing prevalence of a large climate finance gap, an even larger overall environmental finance gap, and a huge UN SDG finance gap. To close these gaps, countries need to mobilize much more private capital at a much faster pace through the capital markets, and allocate it to projects, products, and processes that have a positive impact on the sustainability agenda.”
“Investors are actively seeking to align their investments with ESG principles and contribute to the transition to a climate-friendly low-carbon economy. Green finance instruments are increasingly being integrated into mainstream investment portfolios.”
“Sustainable Bonds fit this purpose. They are structured to finance new and existing projects and activities with positive environmental impact. Sustainable Bonds can raise funds for projects in renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transportation, green buildings, wastewater management and climate change adaptation in accordance with the globally defined and accepted principles, rules and requirements that govern the issuance of Sustainable Bonds.”
I am happy to say that the SEC, with the technical support and assistance of the ADB, has established an enabling policy and regulatory framework for Sustainable Bonds since Oct 2023. Any prospective issuer; whether the government, parastatal agencies or the private sector can now raise capital under this framework. We also have had ADB’s technical assistance for other new initiatives such as the Collective Investment Schemes (CIS) Code and the regulatory framework for Islamic Capital Market Products.”
“The regulatory framework for Sustainable Bonds provides discerning investors higher comfort levels by mandating an independent and professional verification and assurance process on the use of the capital raised, performance monitoring and periodic reporting requirements. Investor engagement is a key part of labeling a bond. The increased transparency of sustainable bonds helps build investor trust and confidence.”
“Sustainable Bonds provide more market power, relevance and value benefits to issuers. Though the connected costs and resources may seem to be bit cumbersome at the outset, the effort required for the next round of issues would be substantially less than that for the first round and so on. The extra effort on the issuer for labeling continues to decline in the long run.”
“By expanding the availability of green finance instruments and fostering collaboration between investors, issuers, and regulators, financial markets will be able to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and resilient financial system.”
“Though the regulatory framework has been in place since Oct 2023, we are yet to see new issues in the local capital market. So it is critically important that all stakeholders come together, work together and support one another to kick start sustainable bond issuances,” he said.
To catalyze bilateral trade and investment and drive regional economic integration, the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai facilitated a series of high-level strategic engagements between The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and leading Indian commercial institutions on May 13 and 14.
The delegation from The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce was led by its Chairman Krishan Balendra, CEO of John Keells Holdings Pvt Ltd and comprised a distinguished group of Sri Lankan industry leaders from Hirdaramani Group, Maliban Biscuit Manufactories (Pvt) Ltd, Sierra Cables PLC, A. Baur & Co. (Pvt) Ltd, Jetwing Travels (Pvt) Ltd, Ceylon Biscuits Ltd, Hayleys PLC, Vidullanka PLC, MAS India Clothing (Pvt) Ltd, Tudawe Brothers (Pvt) Ltd, David Pieris Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, Bank of Ceylon, Aitken Spence PLC, LTL Holdings Ltd. and Orel IT Pvt. Ltd.
On May 13, The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce jointly hosted the ‘India–Sri Lanka Business Forum: Partnering in Sri Lanka’s Growth and Investment’ and an exclusive CEO interaction in Mumbai. The forum convened senior government officials, policymakers, and industry leaders from both countries.
These included, among others, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India Mahishini Colonne; Consul General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai Priyanga Wickramasinghe; Senior Economic Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka Duminda Hulangamuwa; Secretary (Protocol, FDI, Diaspora & Outreach) and Chief of Protocol Government of Maharashtra Rajesh Ravindra Gawande; Co-chairman, CII Western Region Sub-committee on International Trade & Investment and Chief Executive Officer, Polycab India Ltd. Anurag Agarwal; Chairman, CII Western Region Sub-Committee on Tourism and Hospitality and Executive Director, Kamat Hotels India Ltd Vishal Kamat and Secretary General & CEO of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Shiran Fernando.
Conversations centered on accelerating cross-border cooperation across high-priority sectors, including technology, manufacturing, healthcare, renewable energy, and digital transformation.
On May 14, the delegation engaged in productive Business-to-Business sessions with the IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, culminating in the formal renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and IMC. The delegation also participated in an interactive session hosted by the World Trade Center (WTC) Mumbai and the All India Association of Industries (AIAI).
The two-day mission concluded with a robust exchange of views cementing a strong foundation for sustained bilateral collaboration and paving the way for a new era of industrial synergy between Colombo and Mumbai. (Consulate General of SL, Mumbai)
Demonstrating its commitment to supporting the nation’s next phase of economic transformation, Commercial Bank of Ceylon has become one of the first banks in Sri Lanka to enter into an agreement to establish a fully-fledged branch at Port City Colombo, marking a significant step in the Bank’s strategic expansion into the country’s emerging international financial hub.
The agreement was signed by Sanath Manatunge, Managing Director/CEO of Commercial Bank, and Xiong Hongfeng, Managing Director of CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd. The partnership further reinforces Commercial Bank’s position at the forefront of Sri Lanka’s evolving financial landscape.
The proposed branch will function as a fully-fledged banking branch, offering a full spectrum of products and services tailored to the needs of corporates, investors, businesses and retail customers operating within the Port City Colombo ecosystem. These will include digital banking facilities, trade services, foreign currency transactions, corporate banking solutions, deposits, lending, card services and remittance facilities.
By establishing a presence within Port City Colombo, the Bank said it aims to further strengthen its ability to support cross-border business and investment flows while positioning itself to meet the sophisticated requirements of global investors, multinational corporates and high-net-worth individuals expected to operate within the Special Economic Zone.
Commenting on this ground breaking initiative, Sanath Manatunge, Managing Director/CEO of Commercial Bank said the Bank’s decision to establish a fully-fledged branch within Port City Colombo reflects both its long-term confidence in the project and its readiness to support the evolving needs of a globally integrated financial ecosystem.
“As Sri Lanka’s largest private sector bank with a strong track record in serving corporates, international clients and high-value businesses, we see Port City Colombo as a pivotal development in the country’s economic future,” he said. “Our presence within this Special Economic Zone will enable us to seamlessly support cross-border transactions, facilitate international trade and investment, and deliver world-class banking solutions backed by advanced digital capabilities. Being one of the first banks to formalise plans for a full-service branch within Port City Colombo reaffirms our role as a pioneer in driving financial innovation and supporting national development.”
A 269-hectare extension of Sri Lanka’s central business district, Port City Colombo is being developed as a multi-service Special Economic Zone designed to serve as a regional financial centre, business and lifestyle hub. One of the largest public-private partnership projects in the country, it is envisioned as a catalyst for high-value investments, underpinned by advanced infrastructure, cutting-edge technology and a progressive regulatory framework.
“Our role as master developer goes beyond building the city itself. It is about creating the foundations for a functioning international business and financial hub,” said Mr Xiong Hongfeng, Managing Director of CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd. “The establishment of institutions such as Commercial Bank within Port City Colombo is an important part of that process, because it brings real operational depth and credibility into the ecosystem from an early stage. It reflects the broader momentum behind the project and the growing shift towards a more globally connected, investment-driven economy in Sri Lanka.”
Sri Lanka’s renowned specialty tea brand “Singharaja Wiry Tips,” produced by Lumbini Tea Valley Ceylon, has won two major accolades at the prestigious “The Leafies International Tea Awards” held recently at Fortnum and Mason in the United Kingdom.
The award-winning low-grown Ceylon tea secured the titles of “Best Ceylon Black Tea” and the overall “Best of All Black Teas,” emerging as the top black tea entered at the international competition.
With these latest honours, “Singharaja Wiry Tips” has now earned its 43rd and 44th international awards, further strengthening its reputation as one of the world’s most highly awarded black teas.
Classified as FBOPF EX SP (Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe Fannings Extra Special), the tea is named after its distinctive golden-tipped wiry leaves and unique flavour profile derived from the ecosystem surrounding the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Singharaja Rainforest, which borders the Lumbini plantation.
Lumbini Tea Valley’s latest innovation, “Lumbini Screw Buds,” also received high commendation at this year’s competition, highlighting the company’s continued excellence in producing premium Ceylon teas.
Chairman and Managing Director Chaminda Jayawardena, who accepted the awards in London, credited the achievement to the dedication of the Lumbini workforce and the support of nearly 1,800 tea farmers supplying high-quality green leaf harvested using the traditional “two leaves and a bud” method.
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