PM tells Parliament statistics on economy haywire

• Says available data incomplete and some incorrect
• Agrees to arrange for SJB MPs to get briefing at Finance Ministry
• Informs House WB has granted $ 160 m but amount cannot be used for fuel purchases
• Delay in unloading LPG due to inclement weather

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament yesterday that statistics pertaining to the country’s economy are haywire.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe

Responding to a question from SJB MP Harsha de Silva, the Prime Minister said he is yet to see all the correct data and said he would present a comprehensive report to Parliament in two weeks once he has all the details.

“The available information regarding the economy is incomplete and, in some instances, incorrect,” Wickremesinghe said, adding that he would arrange SJB MPs to visit the Finance Ministry if they wished to get a briefing on the situation.

The Premier added that the country had received $ 160 million from the World Bank but it cannot be used for fuel purchases. However, the Government is discussing this matter with the World Bank officials to request the use the funds for urgent purchases of fuel.

He also told the House that due to the inclement weather conditions, the LPG shipment at the port will have to be unloaded via lorries and this will cause a delay.

The Prime Minister added that the fertiliser issue is also being addressed but due to war in Ukraine there is a global shortage.