Cabinet clears unified data system to crack down on digital transactions linked to crime

Wednesday, 18 March 2026 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa

In a bid to curb the misuse of digital money transfer platforms for illegal activities, the Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved the establishment of a consolidated data-sharing system integrating the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Police and the Department of Registration of Persons.

The move follows recommendations submitted by a Special Committee appointed earlier with Cabinet approval and Chaired by the Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry Secretary. The Committee was tasked with proposing measures to strengthen oversight and enforcement mechanisms in response to growing concerns over anonymous digital financial transactions.

Announcing the decision at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said authorities have observed that mobile money transfer platforms such as eZ Cash and mCash are frequently being used to facilitate transactions linked to drug trafficking and organised crime.

Law enforcement agencies have raised alarm that certain transactions conducted through these systems can occur without sufficiently revealing the identity of the individuals involved, creating regulatory and investigative gaps.

The proposed integrated data system is expected to enable real-time information sharing among key institutions, allowing authorities to verify identities, trace suspicious transactions, and identify individuals allegedly engaged in unlawful activities.

He said the new framework will also strengthen the capacity to initiate timely legal action against offenders by linking financial data with verified personal identification and law enforcement records.

Under the approved proposal presented by the Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala, legal measures will be implemented against individuals found to be exploiting these digital platforms for criminal purposes.