Colombo, Oct. 22 (Daily Mirror) - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said it is yet to discuss with Sri Lankan authorities the government's claim that around US$ 1 billion has been siphoned out of the country under the guise of import payments for which no goods were delivered.
However, responding to a query from the Daily Mirror, an IMF spokesman stressed the importance of Sri Lanka continuing to advance its governance and anti-corruption agenda.
"We have not discussed this matter with the authorities. Overall, it is important for Sri Lanka to continue advancing its governance and anti-corruption agenda," the spokesman said.
Earlier, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that as much as US$ 1 billion had been taken out of the country through payments for imports for which no goods had been delivered.
Governance and anti-corruption reforms are among the areas linked to Sri Lanka's IMF-supported programme.
Sri Lanka has already enacted legislation aimed at addressing corruption and fraud.