DFCC Bank today announced the official listing of Sri Lanka’s first Listed Blue Bond on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), marking a significant milestone for the country’s capital markets and its transition towards ocean-focused sustainable finance.
At the Market Opening Ceremony held this morning, DFCC Bank’s Chairman, J. Durairatnam, was invited to ring the bell to commence trading, marking the Blue Bond’s entry into the market. Members of DFCC Bank’s leadership were present to commemorate the occasion.
The Blue Bond is a LKR 3 billion, senior, rated, unsecured, redeemable instrument, structured under DFCC Bank’s Sustainable Bond Framework. It aligns with the ICMA Green Bond Principles and the IFC Blue Finance Guidelines and carries a rating of A(lka) from Fitch Ratings Lanka Limited.
Thimal Perera, Chief Executive Officer of DFCC Bank, said, “DFCC Bank’s listing of Sri Lanka’s first Blue Bond is a significant milestone for the Bank and for the country. It brings much-needed focus to the development of sustainable finance and the role it can play in shaping Sri Lanka’s future.
“We are honoured to have initiated this effort and have every confidence that it will mark the beginning of a long and meaningful journey in supporting coastal resilience, clean water, marine restoration, and other essential areas of national importance.”
Rajeeva Bandaranaike, Chief Executive Officer of the CSE, said, “We are extremely pleased to welcome DFCC Bank at this market opening ceremony in celebration of this milestone event—not just for DFCC Bank, but also for the capital market and for creating the country’s first Blue Bond. I believe this bond places us on a global stage.”
The success of the listing reflects strong collaboration across multiple institutions. NDB Investment Bank (NDBIB) served as Joint Manager and Placement Agent; KPMG Sri Lanka acted as Independent External Reviewer; Nithya Partners provided legal advisory support; S S P Corporate Services (Private) Limited functioned as Registrar; People’s Bank served as Trustee to the Issue; and Fitch Ratings Lanka acted as the rating agency.
