Credibility of statistics under attack
View(s):A group of leading chambers is urging the Government to probe allegations that economic data has been tampered with and may be inaccurate.
Recent newspaper reports have led to doubts being cast on the GDP growth rates published by the Department of Census and Statistics, the Joint Chambers of Commerce said in a statement.
“If such doubts were to persist, it would lead to a lack of credibility on a range of published data and have serious implications on investor confidence and country ratings,” the grouping said urging the authorities to investigate the relevant allegations in a “credible and transparent manner” and to establish the integrity of data published by all agencies as a matter of urgency.
The statement has been endorsed by the National Chamber of Commerce, COYLE, CNCI, National Chamber of Exporters and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.