Business
Can Debt-for-Climate and Nature Swaps help make Sri Lanka’s debt more manageable?
Lakmini Fernando is a Research Fellow at IPS with primary research interest in Development Economics, Public Finance and Climate Change. She has expertise in econometric data analysis, research design and causal methodologies. Lakmini holds a BSc in Agriculture from the University of Peradeniya, a Master of Development Economics (Advanced) from the University of Queensland, Australia and a PhD in Economics from the University of Adelaide, Australia.
Sunimalee Madurawala is a Research Economist at the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS). She has over 15 years of research experience in the areas of gender, health economics and population studies. Sunimalee holds a BA (Economics Special) degree with a first-class and a Masters in Economics (MEcon) degree from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
By Dr Lakmini Fernando and Sunimalee Madurawala
Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, fuelled by unsustainable debt and a default in 2022, left the country struggling to stabilise its economy. Its high climate vulnerability that disrupts livelihoods exacerbated the economic challenges. In the face of dual pressures from an economic crisis and climate vulnerability, the need for alternative approaches to financial recovery has never been more urgent. Therefore, debt-for-climate-and-nature (DfCN) swaps could be a possible option to lower the financial burden while addressing climate challenges.
The Need for Alternative Financing Options in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka was forced to default on its external debt and seek a USD 3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in March 2023. Its total debt stock stood at USD 92 billion, with 40% being external debt in 2023. Sri Lanka’s debt portfolio is complex and its outstanding debt to China and India accounted for 18% of total external debt (59% of bilateral loans) in September 2022 (Figure 1). Amidst the conclusion of debt restructuring, Sri Lanka might benefit by opening to alternative financial instruments.
DfCN Swaps as an Alternative
DfCN swaps are a sovereign debt restructuring tool that helps (partial) restructuring of external debt in exchange for domestic investment in climate action. Well-designed DfCN swaps provide debtor countries the fiscal space to invest in climate adaptation and biodiversity sustainability.
With unsustainable debt and climate change identified as pressing issues for developing countries, Sri Lanka emerges as a priority country for DfCN swaps. Earlier, DfCN swaps followed a ‘piecemeal approach’ – implementing smaller, uncoordinated projects and managing funds through extrabudgetary channels. In contrast, recent swaps follow a ‘systematic approach’ – focusing on broader programmes instead of individual projects and providing budget support by channelling funds directly into debtor countries’ national budgets. This approach makes DfCN swaps more effective by mobilising larger amounts of funds, increasing debtor governments’ accountability, linking payments to performance, and aligning Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) in target setting.
Global Context and Debt Swap Options for Sri Lanka
DfCN swaps was first introduced in 1984 in response to the deteriorating tropical rain forests and mounting debt obligations in Latin America. Since then, many countries have adopted DfCN swaps to address both financial and environmental challenges.
In 2002, the United States (US) engaged in a bilateral swap with Peru, subsidised by NGOs such as The Nature Conservancy (TNC),
to protect over 1 million hectares of wilderness areas. The US has also engaged in similar swaps with Guatemala and Indonesia to protect tropical forests.
In 2015, Seychelles, pioneered a Blue Economy debt for nature swaps, converting USD 21.6 million of sovereign debt with Paris Club creditors to fund marine conservation. This is considered the world’s first debt swap for ocean conservation and climate adaptation.
Belize engaged in a ‘tripartite blue economy swap’ with the TNC in 2021, which reduced its external debt by 10% of GDP. TNC helped Belize to buy back USD 553 million of national debt borrowed from commercial creditors (30% of GDP) by issuing USD 346 million in blue bonds (10% of GDP). In response, Belize agreed to invest in marine conservation. This deal allows buy back of entire external commercial debt by TNC and Belize to invest USD 4 million annually on marine conservation until 2041 aiming to increase marine-protection parks from 15.9% of its oceans to 30% in 2040. Hence, this deal addresses the triple objectives of restoring debt sustainability, promoting sustainable development and enhancing climate resilience.
In 2023, Ecuador entered into the world’s largest DfCN swap, facilitated by Credit Suisse, buying back USD 1.6 billion of sovereign debt for USD 656 million in new sovereign debt. In return, Ecuador agreed to allocate USD 450 million in long-term marine conservation in the Galápagos Islands. The success of this deal was driven by several key factors: participation of academia, collaboration and consensus among multiple stakeholders including civil society and local governments, an innovative financing model, and government leadership.
The effectiveness of swaps depends on the ability to address several key challenges: political and macroeconomic stability to ensure long-term accomplishment; stable institutional structures to denote stability in planning and implementation; strong regulatory frameworks to cover both financial and environmental obligations; and knowledge/skills on swaps at every level of the public service. Accordingly, the success of DfCN swaps is dependent on the leadership role of debtor governments and a systematic approach in the designing and implementation of swaps.
Debt swaps are determined collectively by the respective parties involved, hence, it is difficult to predict the magnitudes of these swaps. However, following the three criteria proposed by Boland (2023) on the magnitude of debt, type of lending (whether it is a commercial or concessional loans) and interest of the creditors (considering the country’s track record), Sri Lanka may consider the following four creditors for a possible DfCN swap in the future (Table 1).
Way Forward
In addressing the triple challenges of high indebtedness, climate change and loss of nature, DfCN swaps can serve as an effective alternative fiscal instrument for debt-ridden Sri Lanka. Systematic planning and stringent government commitment and all relevant key stakeholders are crucial for its success. Also, addressing knowledge and skill gaps on debt swaps is crucial. With sufficient political and macro-stability, Sri Lanka could be ready to implement DfCN swaps potentially accelerating its economic recovery.
In a landmark move towards digital transformation within Sri Lanka’s legal system, the Supreme Court officially launched online payment acceptance via GovPay, at a ceremony held on 15th May 2025 at the Supreme Court Complex in Hulftsdorp, Colombo 12, under the patronage of Chief Justice Murdu Fernando, PC.
This digital initiative enables both legal professionals and general public to make real-time, secure online payments via any GovPay-enabled internet banking, mobile banking platforms and FinTech applications for a wide range of services offered by the Supreme Court including Brief Fees, Certified Copying Fees, Commercial High Court Appeal Filing Fees, Compensation, Cost, Enrollment Fees (Attorney-at-Law), Good Standing Certificate Fees, New Plaint Filing Fees, and Online Payments for Affidavits.
At the initial phase GovPay payments to Supreme Court has been enabled via several online banking platforms and FinTech apps including BOC Smart Pay Mobile App, Peoples Pay Mobile App, NSB Online Banking, Pan Asia Online Banking, Sampath Vishwa Online Banking, HNB PayFast, Seylan Bank Online Banking, DFCC Online Banking, NationsDirect Online Banking / NationsDirect Mobile App, ComBank Digital Online Banking and ComBank Digital Mobile App, NDB Neos Online Banking, Helakuru Mobile App, iPay Mobile App, FriMi Mobile App, Genie Mobile App. The integration with GovPay ensures secure, seamless, and transparent transactions, accessible from anywhere anytime, bringing a new level of convenience and efficiency to the legal community and the general public using courts. Moreover, the entire GovPay digital process, including the receipt which generated via the system are legally valid under the Electronic Transactions Act No. 19 of 2006 (as amended).
Speaking at the launch, Chief Justice Murdu Fernando PC emphasized the significance of this initiative in modernizing the judicial system, stating that “This marks an important milestone in our journey towards a more accessible and technology-enabled judiciary. By embracing digital platforms such as GovPay, we are not only improving efficiency and transparency, but also enhancing public trust and ease of access to all stakeholders of the judicial system” , the Chief Justice stated.
Integration with GovPay aims to reduce the reliance on physical cash transactions, long queues, and administrative difficulties that have historically burdened court users as well as legal professionals. It also aligns with the national agenda of leveraging digital infrastructure to improve public service delivery.
The Supreme Court’s adoption of technology-based payments is expected to serve as a model for similar implementations across other courts of law throughout Sri Lanka. Several high-ranking legal professionals, officials from LankaPay, ICTA and representatives of the legal and banking sectors were present to witness this historic occasion.
This transformation is the result of collaboration between the Supreme Court Registrar, the Registry Staff, the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Digital Economy and key financial and technological institutions committed to enhancing digital inclusion within public institutions with the support of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
As the legal landscape evolves, digital platforms, such as GovPay, will play a critical role in ensuring the justice system remains adaptive, inclusive, and future-ready. The Supreme Court’s forward-thinking initiative is expected to pave the way for comprehensive judicial digitalization nationwide.
Fortude has announced a strategic partnership with Ettos, a leading supply chain traceability platform aimed at enabling fashion businesses to maintain more transparent processes and allowing customers to understand how their products are made. This collaboration will integrate traceability, compliance, and Digital Product Passports (DPPs) into a unified solution, helping fashion brands streamline their supply chains and enhance transparency.
Ettos’ platform simplifies the tracking of raw materials and the verification of sustainability claims. It offers a B2B web platform for managing traceability and compliance, along with a B2C web app that delivers DPPs to consumers via QR codes. Through this partnership, Fortude and Ettos will jointly expand their capabilities in the fashion sector, supporting clients from raw material sourcing to final product delivery.
Adriana Batty, Co-founder of Ettos, said, “We are happy to partner with Fortude, whose expertise in digital solutions and deep roots in the fashion industry align with our vision of creating a transparent global supply chain. Together, we will empower brands and consumers with verifiable sustainability insights.”
With over a decade of experience delivering digital solutions to global fashion brands, Fortude shares Ettos’ commitment to transforming supply chain transparency. Daniel Rodrigo, Senior Vice President Global Technical Consulting at Fortude added, “Our partnership with Ettos reinforces our mission to provide digital solutions that matter. For over a decade, we have been an Infor partner, delivering ERP solutions to numerous global fashion brands. As we broaden our vision to drive digital transformation, this partnership is a significant step toward driving meaningful change for fashion brands seeking enhanced transparency and compliance.”
This partnership marks a significant step forward in meeting the fashion industry’s growing demand for sustainability and transparency. Fortude and Ettos are dedicated to helping brands navigate complex supply chains with confidence, fostering a more sustainable future for fashion.
Turyaa Chennai, a premier five-star deluxe classified hotel under the Aitken Spence Hotels portfolio, celebrates a decade of redefining hospitality in one of South India’s most dynamic urban corridors.
Conceived by the visionary entrepreneur and Late Chairman of Aitken Spence PLC, Deshamanya D.H.S. Jayawardena, Turyaa Chennai was built on the belief that Aitken Spence warmth and world-class hospitality could find a meaningful home in India. Ten years on, his legacy continues—alive in every guest experience, every team member’s dedication, and every milestone the hotel celebrates.
Since its opening in 2015, Turyaa Chennai has become a trusted name in Chennai—offering warm service and contemporary comfort. Strategically located along Chennai’s IT expressway, the hotel has grown into a hospitality landmark for business travellers, international travellers, and local tastemakers. Its vibrant dining concepts, spacious rooms and suites, rooftop leisure areas, and exceptional service standards have made it a preferred address in the city.
To mark its 10th anniversary on 15th of May 2025, Turyaa Chennai is hosting a month-long series of celebrations in honour of its legacy and the people who helped shape it. These include religious blessings, a celebratory dinner for loyal guests and partners, an awards ceremony for team members, and culinary showcases that nod to the hotel’s South Indian and Sri Lankan heritage.
Turyaa Chennai (Aitken Spence Hotels) donates wheelchairs to Tamil Nadu Railways in collaboration with Geo India Foundation.
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