Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
Wednesday, 29 April 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa
The Government said yesterday that neither President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake nor the Cabinet had discussed the reported $ 2.5 million Treasury cyber breach and internal investigation, leaving the matter to the Finance Ministry and external investigative agencies.
Responding to queries posed at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the alleged irregularity and the internal investigation initiated by the Finance Ministry in January had not been taken up at Cabinet-level.
The Cabinet Spokesman drew criticism for saying he was unaware of details relating to the $ 2.5 million payment due to Export Finance Australia that had reportedly gone missing when reporters raised the matter a week ago.
The next day, Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma said the investigation was kept confidential to avoid disrupting inquiries and alerting perpetrators (https://www.ft.lk/front-page/2-5-m-debt-breach-hits-during-vulnerable-transition-as-Treasury-reassures-creditors/44-791072).
Asked whether his lack of knowledge was part of that approach, the Cabinet Spokesman said the investigation fell within the Finance Ministry’s purview and responsibility.
“It is up to the respective institution to investigate any irregularities and take appropriate action without the Cabinet having to discuss it. We believe that in this instance, the Finance Ministry acted appropriately by appointing an internal committee to investigate the cyber-attack and then filing complaints with the relevant agencies, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), supported by the CBSL’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT), and the Police Computer Crimes Investigation Division, who are investigating the matter further,” he said.
“Appropriate action was taken, and there was no need to discuss the matter at Cabinet-level,” he added.
As if to make a point, the Minister dropped bomb-shell and cited a separate case under investigation by Sri Lanka Post involving a missing payment of $ 625,000 owed to US postal authorities.
“For example, the Postal Department (Sri Lanka Post) is investigating a payment of $ 625,000 owed to US Posts which has gone missing, and this too was not discussed at Cabinet level,” he said.
He added that US postal authorities had informed Sri Lanka Post that two instalments totalling $ 625,000 had not been received. “This was a few weeks ago. We made the payments but once we know more about what happened we will disclose the matter in full,” he said, noting his role as the Minister in charge of Sri Lanka Post.
Responding to questions on why the President and Cabinet had not been kept informed, the Minister said both the Treasury and Sri Lanka Post had acted within their mandates.
On the suspension of the whistleblower linked to the $ 2.5 million breach, he said it was an internal decision of the Finance Ministry.
“We believe the Finance Ministry has taken the appropriate steps with external law enforcement agencies to investigate the matter fully, fix procedural lapses and uncover any negligent or wilful wrongdoing. You must remember, State-sector bureaucrats were here long before this Government came into power,” he said.
“Based on our discussions with these agencies, we believe the missing funds can be recovered but we may need international assistance,” he added.
On questions over outdated systems within the Finance Ministry and the lack of integration with the National Cyber Security Operations Centre, the Minister said the matter was under review. “We are currently reviewing the matter and once more is known about what needs to be done, we can make it public,” he said.
He was also questioned about the citizenship status of Treasury Secretary Dr. Suriyapperuma, to which he said the Government did not have information in that regard.
