Sri Lanka’s central bank says hired foreign PR firm to counter ‘misinformation’

Apr, 18 2013 (LBO) - Sri Lanka's central bank said it had hired a US public relations firm to counter attempts to "tarnish the political image and true economic successes" of the island by "groups with dubious agendas." "..[I]f such campaign continues without a counter campaign to correct the misconceptions it may have the potential to create a highly detrimental image for Sri Lanka, and erode the growing confidence of international investors in Sri Lanka," the Central Bank said in a statement.

"Since such an outcome would adversely affect the country’s economy and its economic and financial system stability, the Central Bank has embarked upon a robust local and international Awareness Programme to refute such misinformation, and to provide the factual position of the economy and the political environment to all relevant stakeholders.

"Towards that objective, the Central Bank has also secured the services of a competent international professional firm to assist in the effort to convey the true and factual position regarding Sri Lanka and its economy, particularly in the USA."

Such an endeavour will be particularly significant, since the USA is a major market for Sri Lankan exports, while US investors