Concludes Landmark Rs.750Million Structuring and Investing in LVL Energy Fund PLC’s Unlisted Corporate Bond

Colombo, June 17, 2021: Sampath Bank PLC announced that it had recently concluded the structuring and investment of an unquoted, secured, non-convertible, deep-discounted bond issuance for LVL Energy Fund PLC.

The Rs.750 million instrument was tailor-made by Sampath Bank’s Corporate Finance Unit to suit the unique characteristics and financing needs of LVL Energy Fund PLC. Sampath Bank was the sole investor in this private placement with special approvals from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This is believed to be the first bond of its kind in the country by a listed company in the Power and Energy sector.

The Bank has a strong legacy of supporting Sri Lanka’s Renewable Energy sector, playing an active role in funding, and delivering relevant financial services to the sector.

Commenting on the partnership, Sumith Arangala, Chief Executive Officer, LVL Energy Fund PLC, said, “We were highly impressed with the manner in which the officials of Sampath Bank PLC evaluated the proposal with interests of our shareholders foremost in their minds. Apart from the deep discount bond being an innovative financial instrument vis-a-vis the local banking sector, it resulted in a win-win outcome to both entities with absolute convergence of interests.”

“As a responsible financial services provider, we have always strived to support green initiatives, especially in the renewable energy sector, right from our inception. In line with this, it has been our privilege to partner with LVL Energy Fund PLC on their recent bond issuance,” said Nanda Fernando, Managing Director, Sampath Bank PLC. “We remain committed to supporting consumers and businesses around the island and delivering greater value to the nation, as we continue to present the future.”

Sampath Bank’s Corporate Finance Unit specializes in structuring and arranging a range of debt financing solutions, including project financing for corporates both in Sri Lanka and around the world. In project financing, the Bank’s dedicated renewable energy financing team offers investors a complete solution to their project financing needs, including advisory services with regards to approval processes, documentation and other necessary requirements.

LVL Energy Fund PLC is a leading Power & Energy sector investment company listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, having diverse investments ranging from renewable energy comprising mini-hydro, wind and solar in Sri Lanka and thermal power ventures in Bangladesh as well as a 10MW hydro power generation project under construction in Nepal. These investments contribute 35MW to Sri Lanka’s national grid as commissioned plants, with 6MW in the pipeline.

Sampath Bank is a 100% local bank that has deeply rooted itself in the lives of the people of Sri Lanka. Established in 1987, the bank has become a state-of-the-art financial institution that continues to be a market leader today thanks to its constant innovation and customer focused approach to business. It has introduced many firsts to the Sri Lankan banking sector including introducing ATMs to Sri Lanka, extended banking hours, slip-less banking and adaptation of block chain technology to name a few. As part of its visionary 2020 approach, the bank is steadily transforming itself into a ‘tech company engaged in banking,’ from the traditional approach of a bank engaged in technology.

Sumith Arangala, Chief Executive Officer, LVL Energy Fund PLC (left) handing over the agreement to Nanda Fernando, Managing Director, Sampath Bank PLC.