Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF) rang the market opening bell at the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), to commemorate the landmark issuance of its High-Yield Sustainable Bond. The market opening ceremony, held at the CSE’s iconic Trading Floor, highlighted SDF’s continued commitment to sustainable and socially impactful finance.
The Tier 2, listed, rated, unsecured, subordinated, redeemable, High-Yield Sustainable Bond Issue raised 20 million bonds at a par value of Rs. 100 each, with Capital Alliance Pvt Ltd as its issue manager, aiming to raise a total of Rs. 2 billion, with a rating of ‘BB+’ by Lanka Rating Agency Limited, was oversubscribed within hours of being listed on the exchange on 8th October 2025.
Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC, which was listed on the Mainboard on 14th December 2021, was founded in line with the principles of its parent organization Sarvodaya and is guided by the principles of ethical finance and sustainable development. The issuance of the High-Yield Sustainable Bond, which, as a combination, was the first of its kind, represent the organizations commitment to social empowerment and development through the capital market, as part of Sarvodaya’s broader mission.
The Sarvodaya Movement, founded in 1958, was one of Sri Lanka’s oldest non-governmental organizations, is directed by the vision of “Grama Swaraj” – the empowerment of self-reliant villages built on inclusivity, non-discrimination, and community driven development.
Delivering the welcome address at the event, Mr. Rajeeva Bandaranaike, CEO of the Colombo Stock Exchange, congratulated SDF on the issuance of the first bond of its kind. Remarking upon the impact of the bond he stated “Sarvodaya Development Finance didn’t just issue a financial instrument – it is more. It acts as a societal catalyst for environmental stewardship, inclusive growth, and responsible financing. Sarvodaya Development Finance is tapping into capital markets in an effective manner to address the needs of the community.
Mr. Channa De Silva, Chairman of Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC, also remarked: “Sarvodaya Development Finance efforts to issue Sri Lanka’s first High-Yield Sustainable Bond, marks the unfoldment of a new era for our impact focus finance company. With the support of International based funding agencies and Sri Lankan stakeholders, who applaud this decision, we will be able to leapfrog from this to create a new journey for our village entrepreneurs, focused on a development agenda where agriculture, rural empowerment and women’s leadership will be recognized, supported and celebrated.”
In line with Sarvodaya’s vision, the proceeds of the bond are expected to strengthen SDF’s Tier 2 capital base and support its expansion into sustainable and inclusive financing initiatives aligned with environmental and social impact goals, including Women’s Empowerment, Employee Welfare, Community Empowerment and financing Sustainable Agriculture.
Photograph.
(Left – Right): Mr. Nishok Goonasekera, CEO – Capital Alliance Partners Limited; Mr. Rajeeva Bandaranaike, CEO – CSE; Mr. Channa De Silva, Chairman – Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC; Mr. Nilantha Jayanetti, CEO – Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC; Mr. Mahesh Jayasanka, Head of Strategic Planning – Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC; Mr. Faith Cooray, Assistant Manager – Investment Banking, Capital Alliance Partners Limited.
