Indian credit for food: Clarification issued on media report

COLOMBO: The Ministry of Finance would like to clarify that the news article on the Sunday Times dated May 1, 2022 titled “Indian credit for food goes to import steel” was based on false information.

The Lankan government has signed the USD one billion Credit Facility Agreement with the government of India to facilitate Sri Lankan importers who faced many difficulties in opening Letter of Credits to import foods and other essential items due to the shortage of foreign currency in the banking system and the market.

Based on the monthly requirement and the information received from importers, the credit line was initially allocated for importation of (a) essential food items – US$ 300 million (b) medicine – US$ 200 million and (c) industrial raw materials $ 500 million.

However, this allocation was later revised to accommodate much needed fuel and LP gas by reducing the allocation for industrial raw materials and food items.

These allocations were determined considering the prevailed requirements at the time of finalizing the credit line.

The industrial raw materials include paper & printing materials, packaging materials, raw materials for textile industry, non-carbonic chemicals, cement/clinker, raw materials for transformers, fertilizer and steel. Industrial raw materials were considered in this credit line as these materials are required for continuation of the ongoing important projects and export industries that will ultimately bring foreign exchange in to the country.

As of today,$40 million has been utilized for importation of steel.
Government will review the present allocation for different sub categories based on the current needs prioritizing essential food items, medicines, fuel and LP gas.

A guideline has already been published inthe web of the Ministry of Finance and applications are invited from interested parties for importation of goods under the credit facility.