The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake

¶ 01 Hon. Minister, you gave an honest Answer, though written by the Central Bank. The issue we are in is owing to the independent Central Bank—if not for it, we would not have become bankrupt. Steering to your answer to no. 06: As at 30 September 2024, Net Reserves were US$6.4 billion. The last reported Net Reserves by 15 September 2025 were US$6.86 billion. You say the Central Bank purchased US$1.2 billion. Then, US$6.4 + US$1.2 should be US$7.6 billion. I am asking about Net Reserves. Intervention may be there, but if the rupee erodes, you must defend it. Saying US$1.2 billion absorption does not mean anything when Net Reserves are US$6.186 billion.

¶ 02 The IMF debt sustainability agreement endorsed by this Government will be watched by external borrowers. If reserves are not built, it impacts the rupee. We are being tutored by the Central Bank as if we are duds. I want to protect the Government; those guys ruined past governments and will continue.

¶ 03 Ensure more exports and interventions that build Net Reserves. According to your previous answer, China’s swap was not acceptable. This US$7.2 billion target is under the IMF debt sustainability framework you pursue.

¶ 04 Please give a more candid answer. I know you must report what comes from the Central Bank, but let us ensure policy good for the country, not for the “independent” Central Bank that buys cars and increases salaries while the rest of the country does not benefit.

¶ 05 Thank you.