Sri Lanka Among Fastest Improvers In Investor Relations And Debt Transparency, says IIF

COLOMBO (News 1st): Sri Lanka has recorded an impressive improvement in global investor confidence, emerging as one of the fastest-improving sovereigns in investor relations and debt transparency, according to the latest assessment by the Institute of International Finance (IIF).

The Institute of International Finance (IIF) is a global association with 400 members from 60 countries, representing the world’s leading financial institutions, including banks, investment firms, and other financial organisations, to support financial stability, promote best practices, provide unparalleled global advocacy and improve dialogue between investors, governments, and international institutions. 

The IIF’s Investor Relations and Debt Transparency Report 2026: The Transparency Dividend placed Sri Lanka among the top-performing improvers, ranking fourth among countries that recorded the largest gains in investor relations practices, including Vietnam, Belize and Mozambique in top three positions, respectively. 

Sri Lanka’s overall Investor Relations Country Score increased to 43.67 out of 50 in 2026, compared to 37.33 in 2025, placing the country within the top quartile of the 57 emerging markets and developing economies assessed by the IIF.

Debt Transparency Scores:

Sri Lanka also recorded one of the strongest performances in improving debt transparency practices.

According to the IIF, the country improved its debt transparency ranking significantly, moving to the fifth-highest improver in 2026.

The improvement reflects stronger disclosure of debt-related information, improved investor communication mechanisms, and efforts to establish greater clarity around Sri Lanka’s public finances.

ESG Data And Policy Dissemination Scores:

Sri Lanka also emerged as one of the countries making notable progress in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) data and policy dissemination, improving its ability to provide investors with information beyond traditional financial indicators.

The leading improvers in this area included Sri Lanka alongside other emerging economies working to strengthen ESG-related disclosures and investor communication frameworks.

According to the IIF Report, the largest year-on-year gains came from Thailand, Ethiopia, El Salvador, Belize, Sri Lanka, and Nigeria, while Cameroon, Argentina, Malaysia, Azerbaijan, saw their ESG transparency scores decline.

The latest IIF assessment comes as Sri Lanka continues efforts to rebuild international investor confidence after its sovereign debt crisis.

The latest recognition marks a shift in Sri Lanka’s international financial profile, as the country continues its recovery from the economic crisis and works to rebuild confidence in global markets. 

The IIF assessment indicates that improved transparency, stronger investor engagement, and more effective debt communication are becoming key strengths in Sri Lanka’s journey towards restoring long-term economic credibility.