There is a risk that the central bank’s regulation of certain food items will lead to food shortages in the country. Azad Sally, the leader of the National United Front, said that the central bank should focus on the shortage and take action to ease it.
He said this in a letter sent to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe regarding the restrictions imposed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka on certain imported goods.
It further states,
Some traders have brought to my notice the restrictions imposed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka on certain imports.
Tight monetary policy is needed to recover from the economic crisis we are currently facing. However, restrictions on open accounts, receipts and payments bonds will create food shortages in the coming days.
I therefore urge you to pay attention to the above and ask the Central Bank to instruct all banks to allow relaxed restrictions on food items that are considered essential. This will prevent shortages of food in the market in a very short period of time.
Your attention to this matter is greatly appreciated