Mr. Cabraal accused the media of only focusing on 'negative stories'

Speaking with BBC Sandeshaya in London after meetings with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, Ajith Nivard Cabraal said the country's economy has recorded a continuous growth rate of over 6 percent.

Poverty was 22-23 percent of the population in 2002 and currently it is been reduced to 15 percent, the Central Bank Governor said.

'Historic' inflation

He categorically denied reports of economic crisis in Sri Lanka.

The inflation recently hit a record high to 28 percent, according to Central Bank figures, but Mr. Cabral says only the core inflation should be taken into account.

Core inflation is only 7 percent without taken into account food and energy. it is a similar rate to that of many other countries Central Bank Governor

"Core inflation is only 7 percent without taken into account food and energy. it is a similar rate to that of many other countries," he told BBCSinhala.com.

Per Capita Income in Sri Lanka, the Governor said, increased by 50 percent within the last three years to USD 1617.

Mr. Cabral, a close confidante of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, accused the media of only focusing on negative side of the economy.

"The ratio between the GDP and the debt was 102 percent. Currently it is reduced to 85 percent. Why don't you focus on the positive side?" he queried.