According to Thewarathanthri, Sri Lanka is anticipated to undergo a minimum one-notch upgrade in its sovereign credit ratings to triple C (CCC) within the next two to three weeks, following the completion of its external debt restructuring process. This upgrade is expected to open up avenues for traders and bankers to access foreign capital and trade financing facilities more efficiently. While initially, a stronger Rupee may be observed post-restructuring, it is expected to be short-lived as the import bill is likely to rise. Nonetheless, this development is viewed positively for the business community, especially given that a significant portion of Sri Lanka's GDP is derived from the service sector.
Moreover, Thewarathanthri also predicts that banks will regain access to global funds following the expected sovereign credit rating upgrade. This access is particularly crucial in light of the impending enforcement of the single borrower exposure limit. However, the government's ability to tap into global capital markets within the subsequent 18 months following the initial rating upgrade hinges largely on adhering to IMF guidelines. Thewarathanthri suggests that while accessing the market within this timeframe is feasible, achieving a B minus rating within 18 months remains uncertain, as it depends on various factors including Gross Financial Needs targets and compliance with IMF directives.