The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna says Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksa should not be held responsible for the prevailing foreign exchange crisis.
Minister SM Chandrasena speaking at a media briefing at the SLPP headquarters today said a number of Cabinet Ministers including Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara opposed seeking the support of the International Monetary Fund when the Finance Minister proposed the move four to five months ago.
Minister Chandrasena said several countries amidst economic turmoil seek the support of the IMF.
He claimed the Finance Minister predicted that Sri Lanka too will have to seek IMF support given the circumstances.
On a separate note, Minister Chandrasena commented on the appointment of a 14-member National Economic Council that was appointed by the President.
The Minister said charges were levelled at the time that an inexperienced group of Ministers that lack knowledge on economics was appointed, adding that the appointments were based on subject areas that were directly linked to the economy including the Ministries of Agriculture and Plantation.
The Minister however noted that the recently appointed Economic Advisory Council comprises eminent business leaders and economists, stating their knowledge will contribute towards protecting the country and its people.
The Minister expressed his regret for the inconvenience faced by the public by having to spend time in queues, adding that necessary steps were being taken to safeguard the economy.
Minister Chandrasena further commended the level-headed and intelligent behaviour of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
