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Finance Ministry probes cyber breach at External Resources Department
The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development says it has already lodged complaints with law enforcement agencies and other relevant institutions regarding the theft committed by cyber hackers who breached the computer system of the External Resources Department of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.Based on identified information relating to a foreign currency payment in January 2026, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development informed the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SL-CERT) and the Computer Crime Investigation Division of the Sri Lanka Police, according to the statement.Based on the investigations carried out, a complaint was subsequently lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Central Bank, it said.A preliminary internal inquiry has also been conducted in this regard, necessary actions have been taken, and disciplinary actions have been initiated against several officials, the ministry further clarified.The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development said it will continue to extend the necessary cooperation and has already provided the required information to support the investigations that are being conducted by the relevant law enforcement agencies.“Since investigations are currently underway, updates regarding this matter will be provided at an appropriate time in the future, so as not to disturb those ongoing investigations,” it added.The Finance Ministry stated that in accordance with the existing agreements between Sri Lanka and foreign jurisdictions, necessary future arrangements will be made regarding this matter.Source: Adaderana
## CID and Financial Intelligence Unit launch probe into cyber theft ...
A specialised investigation into a theft carried out by cyber hackers who accessed the computer systems of the Department of Foreign Resources under the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development is currently underway. The Ministry announced that the breach came to light during a foreign currency payment processed in January 2026.Formal complaints reached the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Response Team (SLCERT), the Computer Crime Investigation Division of the Sri Lanka Police, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Central Bank. Following an initial internal inquiry, the Ministry initiated disciplinary action against several officers. Law enforcement agencies received all necessary assistance and information to facilitate the probe, which will involve international coordination in accordance with existing agreements between Sri Lanka and foreign nations.Meanwhile, the 'Free Lawyers' organisation sent a letter to the Speaker of Parliament requesting an investigation into whether $2.5 million from the General Treasury fell into the hands of hackers. The organisation, led by President’s Counsel Maithri Gunaratne, claimed the Treasury attempted to settle part of a $22.9 million debt owed by the Sri Lankan government by late September 2025. This payment, totaling $2.5 million, occurred between December 2025 and January 31, 2026.The letter alleges that instead of reaching the intended creditor, the funds went to a third-party hacker. It further noted that a technical investigation committee is active and authorities suspended two Deputy Directors, two Directors, and the head of the IT division at the Treasury in connection with the incident.
Finance Ministry investigates cybersecurity incident at External ...
The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has reported that it has formally approached law enforcement and other pertinent organizations concerning a cyber theft incident involving unauthorized access to the computer systems of its External Resources Department. In connection with a foreign currency transaction that took place in January 2026, the Ministry has notified the Sri ...
Update: Finance Ministry further says cyber hackers breached its ...
Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 (@SriLankaTweet). 13 likes. Update: Finance Ministry further says cyber hackers breached its External Resources Dept., linked to a Jan 2026 foreign currency payment. Disciplinary measures initiated against several officials; complaints lodged with CERT & CID. Investigations ongoing.
