Census and Statistics Department defends credibility of its economic data
Defending the credibility of the country’s economic data by the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS), its top bureaucrat says that the proper statistical procedure has been followed in computing these data.
The relevant details and information to compute the GDP, economic growth rate and inflation are collected and compiled through scientifically designed surveys, census, special studies and administrative records, DCS Director General D.C.A Gunawardena told reporters on Wednesday.
The data computing procedure is carried out after conducting methodical consumer and producer surveys and considering data and information of 280 government institutions on the economic situation in the country.
This process involves 850 employees of the department to compile, analyse and present an accurate estimation or reflection of the economy.
All the calculation processes are done and figures are computed in accordance with international criteria and UN manuals.
The credibility of the data presented by the department has never been challenged since its commencement of compilation of National Economic Accounts for Sri Lanka during early 1950s, Mr. Gunawardena told a media conference in Colombo this week called to refute allegations that the first quarter 2013 GDP data was doctored.
He said that this allegation was based on a statement given by an official in that person’s defence in a disciplinary inquiry against him and the statement was leaked to the media and to JVP MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The data released is not inflated or manipulated as claimed by opposition politicians including the JVP Parliamentarian, he said.
Mr. Gunawardena said that serious action including dismissal is being strongly considered against the official concerned over the leakage of information on confidential department matters.
Expressing his views on the statement made by the JVP MP, Deputy Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said figures including the GDP cannot easily be manipulated since those figures are generally linked with the data of various other sectors such as agriculture industry, fisheries, etc.
He noted that politicians often make statements in parliament in an irresponsible manner without a proper knowledge of economics.
At this instance, a journalist asked him as to whether he meant that MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake has no knowledge to talk about the country’s economy.
Realising the gravity of his remark, Dr. Weerasinghe, clarifying his earlier comment, noted that the particular MP has not read out the full statement of the official thereby creating a wrong impression on the strenuous process the 850 employees of the department had to undergo to compile, analyse and present accurate economic data.
Outlining the procedure of releasing economic data Mr. Gunawardena said the department is in the practice of publishing economic data in its website for the benefit of state institutions, media and the public on stipulated dates and the responsibility of the heads of relevant divisions of the department to complete computing process before the deadline.
This particular economic growth rate figure of the 1st quarter of 2013 was scheduled to be published in mid June 2013 as the department takes at least two and half months to carry out the comprehensive methodology to arrive at the GDP figure.