Sri Lanka, May 22 -- Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha says the recent depreciation of the Sri Lankan Rupee against the US Dollar is not the result of any government policy or wrong decision, but rather a consequence of the global crisis triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Speaking at a special media briefing held today (22) at the Department of Government Information, the Deputy Minister stated that the global crisis had led to a sharp increase in fuel prices, as well as higher costs for gas, fertilizer, shipping, and insurance rates.

He noted that the dollar prices of imported goods had risen significantly in recent months, while export prices had not increased at the same rate, placing furthe...