May 27, 2026
3 developments
China remains Sri Lanka's dominant bilateral creditor
Updated figures put outstanding debt to China at $4.974 billion and to India at $0.984 billion at end-2025, a roughly 5:1 margin.
Mattala airport offered on a 30-year lease
Colombo issued an expression of interest for the airport near Hambantota, drawing Indian interest in a site adjacent to the Chinese-controlled port.
IMF role questioned as China's lending grows
A STAIR Journal analysis argued China's rescue lending is eroding the IMF's position as lender of last resort.