Deputy Minister Rejects Claims of Rising Inflation

01-Mar-2026

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Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Anil Jayantha Fernando dismissed claims that inflation is spiraling upward, stating that it remains within the government’s targeted control framework.

He noted that while the Central Bank Governor has indicated a slight increase in inflation, it currently stands at 5 percent. He contrasted this with a previous period when inflation reached 70 percent, significantly eroding purchasing power.

Fernando stated that from 2023 to 2026, inflation has been maintained within a 5 percent range and emphasized that preventing uncontrolled inflation is the government’s priority.

He added that in 2025, inflation hovered near zero and that prices have remained broadly stable. He attributed claims of rising inflation to misunderstandings or misinterpretations of economic data and said overall economic stability has exceeded expectations.