Sampath Bank issues 13% green bonds as Sri Lanka's market rises

Sri Lanka’s Sampath Bank announced a listing of 10 billion rupees in green bonds with coupons of 13.00% and 13.25%, payable over five‑ and seven‑year terms and featuring a Basel III‑compliant tier‑2 structure. The Colombo Stock Exchange approved the issue in principle, with an initial 70 million rupees offered at 100 rupees each and a further 30 million rupees available if oversubscribed.

On July 15 and 16 the Colombo Stock Exchange indices edged higher, the All Share Price Index rising to 21,508.86 and then to 21,447.50, while the S&P SL20 also posted modest gains. Bank stocks led market turnover, with Sampath Bank, John Keells Holdings and Hemas Holdings among the top contributors. The Sri Lankan rupee traded around 336 rupees per US dollar and bond yields remained steady. Additionally, the Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference was scheduled for September, highlighting the island’s strategic port position and attracting international maritime officials.