Sri Lanka, Oct. 22 -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said it is yet to discuss with Sri Lankan authorities the government's claim that around US$ 1 billion has been siphoned out of the country under the guise of import payments for which no goods were delivered.

However, responding to a query from the Daily Mirror, an IMF spokesman stressed the importance of Sri Lanka continuing to advance its governance and anti-corruption agenda.

"We have not discussed this matter with the authorities. Overall, it is important for Sri Lanka to continue advancing its governance and anti-corruption agenda," the spokesman said.

Earlier, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that as much as US$ 1 billion had been taken out of the country th...