Central Bank, once again, rules out programme with IMF

1 February 2022 12:00 am Views - 112

By Kelum Bandara 

Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal, once again, ruled out any programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) despite what he said ‘misinterpretation of Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa’s remarks to an international newspaper.’  Mr. Cabraal told Daily Mirror the government would talk to various stakeholders to increase its finances including the IMF but it did not mean there would be a programme with it.    

“This is what the Finance Minister meant,” he said.   


He said the repatriation of exports proceeds had shown remarkable progress in December with the country receiving US $ 1,398 million.   


“In September, US $ 583 million had been repatriated. In August, it was only US $ 455 million,” he said.   
Asked about the realisation of the US $ 500 million Indian line of credit for fuel imports, he said the agreements would be signed soon. Afterwards, he said a certain component of fuel would be imported through India using this facility.