Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa on Monday revealed the official Treasury data in response to recent controversy surrounding a claim made by Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage.
Addressing the matter during the weekly Cabinet media briefing, Jayatissa presented monthly figures verified by the Central Bank, outlining Sri Lanka’s official reserve levels from September 2024 to March 2025.
According to the data revealed by the Minisiter:
• September 2024: $5.99 billion
• October 2024: $6.47 billion
• November 2024: $6.45 billion
• December 2024: $6.12 billion
• January 2025: $6.06 billion
• February 2025: $6.08 billion
• March 2025: $6.51 billion
“If there has been any error, I request that these official figures released by the Central Bank be accepted,” Jayatissa said.
The statement comes after Deputy Minister Hewage claimed that the Treasury held only $20 million when the National People’s Power (NPP) government took office.
He made the remark during a public rally in Galle ahead of the Local Government Elections, adding that the new government had since increased reserves to $6.19 billion.
Hewage’s comment sparked criticism and prompted calls for clarification from government officials. (Newswire)