S&P pushes Sri Lankan bonds deeper into junk territory with ‘default’ rating
Photo credits: unsplash
Global ratings agency S&P Global on Monday slashed its rating on Sri Lankan bonds to ‘D’, representing default, following missed interest and principal payments.
The South Asian nation, which had defaulted on a bond payment earlier this year and has $12 billion in overseas debt with private creditors, has been battling the worst financial crisis in its independent history.
Sri Lanka’s external public debt freeze prevents payment of interest and principal obligations due on the government’s international sovereign bonds.
S&P said it did not expect the Sri Lankan government, which remains in default on some foreign currency obligations, to make the bond payments within 30 calendar days after their due dates.
The ratings agency affirmed its ‘SD’ long-term and ‘SD’ short-term foreign currency sovereign ratings on Sri Lanka, as well as reiterated the outlook for the island nation at ‘negative’.
The country is considering a restructuring of local and foreign debt. It is due to restart bailout talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in August in the hope of securing $3 billion in funding.
(Reuters)
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- IMF third review talks with Sri Lanka successfully conclude November 22, 2024
- Professor Gomika Udugamasooriya appointed Senior Advisor to President on Science and Technology November 22, 2024
- Lohan Ratwatte’s wife further remanded until December 2, 2024 November 22, 2024
- Excavation begins near Veyangoda to uncover reported treasure November 22, 2024
- Thai vets plan to trim tusks of Muthu Raja, elephant repatriated from Sri Lanka November 22, 2024
$ 12 billion in overseas debt? Unbelievable. The only hope is this IMF. If they can’t help SL will have a difficult future no matter who will govern the country.