New Partnership to Foster Climate Resilience in Sri Lanka as IFC’s South Asia Regional Director Visits to Emphasize Support for the Nation’s Development Agenda

IFC will support CDB to expand its climate finance product offerings and devise a carbon credit aggregation business model, aligning it with the country’s climate commitments. IFC will also help CDB review and strengthen its environmental and social management system in line with IFC’s Performance Standards.

“Our collaboration with IFC is aligned with CDB’s strategic aspirations to realizing unprecedented growth and our firm sustainability commitment. This partnership with IFC will strengthen our journey of moving towards becoming a net zero entity. CDB’s strategy considers embracing sustainability and tech disruption as the key enabling pillars,” said Mahesh Nanayakkara, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, CDB.

This collaboration coincides with the visit of FC’s Regional Director for South Asia, Imad N. Fakhoury, who reiterated IFC’s dedication to supporting Sri Lanka’s development and climate readiness and resilience during his inaugural trip to the country.

“Sustainability is at the heart of IFC’s mission in Sri Lanka. Our latest partnership with CDB allows us to leverage our expertise, including a deep understanding of the nation’s financial markets in Sri Lanka and a strong local presence. In alignment with government priorities, IFC is committed to advancing Sri Lanka’s climate agenda, fostering economic stability, and creating jobs and opportunities. We focus on an inclusive transition that prioritizes people, jobs, and long-term development. Given the nascent market for green finance in Sri Lanka, IFC aims to support financial institutions by building their capacity and helping them align their lending portfolios with changing climate scenarios,” said Fakhoury.

Fakhoury’s agenda included meetings with several private sector clients as well as government dignitaries including the Minister of Power and Energy and Ceylon Electricity Board, State Minister of Finance, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, and Secretary of Treasury, among others. His top priorities are to expand crucial private capital mobilization and greater investment in Sri Lanka, while underscoring IFC’s commitment to support the country’s economic rebound.

Since the onset of the pandemic, IFC has invested over $1 billion in Sri Lanka providing essential long-term capital and trade financing to help sustain businesses and preserve jobs. In response to Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, IFC provided Cross Currency Swap lines totaling $100 million to three private banks, providing a timely USD liquidity injection to help strengthen the viability of trade, bank liquidity, and access to critical goods and items during a pivotal period.