Former Finance Minister and UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake has called for the immediate appointment of a Parliamentary Select Committee to investigate what he described as arbitrary actions by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, stating that more than 40 opposition MPs have already signed in support of the proposal.
Speaking at a media briefing yesterday (April 04), Karunanayake said urgent action should also be taken regarding the National Development Bank (NDB).
He strongly criticised the Central Bank’s current monetary policy, claiming that despite official assurances that the rupee is stable, an artificial float exists behind the scenes, with the public ultimately bearing the cost.
Karunanayake further alleged that although Sri Lanka has received an IMF tranche, the government has imposed a heavy tax burden on the public and has yet to disclose its future economic programme following the agreements reached with the IMF.
He also claimed that there is a secret plan to privatise the state-owned Bank of Ceylon and People’s Bank.
The MP further called for the immediate conduct of Provincial Council elections, arguing that they are essential for strengthening democracy. He also criticised what he described as internal contradictions within the ruling National People’s Power alliance, including differences between JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva and other government members.
Karunanayake concluded by claiming that the government lacks a clear strategy to prepare the country for future global challenges, including the impact of former US President Donald Trump’s proposed 20 percent tariff policy and climate risks associated with the El Niño phenomenon.
