Moves to appoint politically motivated figure in charge of the CB?

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana  

Whilst Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa alleged that moves are under way to put a politically motivated figure in charge of the Central Bank, the government said legislations to make the institution totally independent are ready.   

“ We have heard that some one who is responsible for the bond scam is to be appointed to the post,” he added.   “ We have been informed that a gaja mithura (a government supporter) is to be appointed as Central Bank chief. This was indirectly mentioned by a national list MP last week” Premadasa said.   State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe who responded said there is no such move.”we are in the process of finalizing legislations to make Central Bank an independent entity.