Sri Lanka to issue Yen denominated Samurai Bonds worth over US$ 500mn

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Sri Lanka is to raise US$ 500mn by issuing Japanese Samurai bonds via investment banks. The Central Bank on behalf of the government has invited proposals from banks and investment houses for consideration to be appointed as Joint Lead Arrangers for the proposed Samurai Bond issue. Central Bank’s RFP notice revealed that the government intends to issue a bond up to US$ 500mn in a benchmark size single tranche with a fixed coupon of 10-year maturity as its first Samurai bond issuance. The cabinet of ministers approved the proposal to appoint lead managers to launch Sri Lanka’s first-ever Yen-denominated Samurai Bond issue worth US$ 500mn in Japan. In this perspective, Yen-denominated bonds for benchmark size issues will be exercisable in single or multiple tranches with competitive fixed coupons and in medium to long term maturities. According to the Central Bank, Japan Bank for International Co-operation has offered a 95% credit guarantee for this bond.