President Mahinda Rajapaksa appeals to bankers to lower interest rates in Sri Lanka

Hilary Rajakarunanayake, Editor – Sri Lanka, Asian Tribune

Colombo, 13 May, (Asiantribune.com): In the wake of the various incentives granted by the Government to stimulate the economy, President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday called for the interest rates to be further brought down and that this benefit should be passed onto small and medium scale investors as well as directly to the public.

He was addressing a delegation from the Central Bank as well as representatives from both the State and Private Banks at Temple Trees Tuesday evening.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that although certain individuals are spreading various canards for political gain, there has been no decline in the flow of financial aid to the country from abroad adding that steps should be taken to ensure stability in the exchange rate.

The President stated that although the country was waging war with the most ruthless terrorist outfit in the world, the Government was able to ensure a stable economy.

Under such circumstances they should not be deceived by false propaganda being spread by certain politicians but to perform their duties with more dedication.

He also asked the Banks to be more keen in lending towards agriculture and exports and that these loans be processed expeditiously without delay.

Minister of Public Administration and Home Affairs and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Minister of State Revenue and Finance and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa MP, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal and Secretary to the Treasury Sumith Abeysinghe were also present at this meeting.

- Asian Tribune -