President says CB Governor enjoys his “fullest confidence”

Responding to news reports with reference to Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal been asked to step down, the President’s Office yesterday said President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has his full confidence in the Central Bank Governor. 

“The news stories that Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal has been requested to step down is completely false. Governor Cabraal enjoys my fullest confidence and trust and has been a tower of strength in responding to the grave economic challenges faced by the country,” a statement issued by the President’s Media 
Division said.

In the meantime, the President’s Office rubbished claims that a visiting International Monetary Fund (IMF) team had asked for Governor Cabraal’s resignation, as reported by certain media.

“The IMF delegation did not discuss about officials, and the talks, at which Governor
Cabraal too was present, covered only monetary issues,” the PMD statement said.

“I have personally urged Governor Cabraal not to be discouraged by these mischievous and fake stories, and to continue his all important work for the stability and growth of our 
country,” it added.

There are strong speculations of significant friction between the Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Governor Cabraal, as revealed by former Ministers Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila, who were sacked from their ministerial portfolios recently.