Prime Minister , Governor Deny Friction Between Them

Shakila Ifham

June 7, 2022

There was no conflict of interest between Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, sources close to Prime Minister said yesterday adding that the Premier had endorsed fullest powers to the governor when it came to monetary matters.

Meanwhile, Governor Weerasinghe has also vehemently rejected claims that there was a dispute between him and the PM.

“CBSL was made to understand on certain news items circulating in social media that there is a dispute between the governor and the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe,” tweeted the Central Bank.

It added “The governor vehemently rejects such assertions and reiterates that the cordial relationship between him and the Hon. Prime Minister continues to restore the Sri Lankan economy.”

It is understood that there were moves at the initial stages to seek advice from former Treasury Secretary R Paskaralingam, who figured in recent Pandora papers having hitherto undisclosed investments here and abroad.

Last month Samagi Jana Balavegaya Parliamentarian, Dr. Harsha de Silva in a tweet said “I told new Gov @CBSL that I will ensure he gets the opposition support to carry out reforms. And I meant it. He thanked me profusely. That does not mean he decides who to blame and who not to for #SriLankaEconomicCrisis. Not his job. Parliament has that constitutional power.”