EconomyPoliticsHOT4h ago

Alleged USD 2.5 Million Treasury Diversion Prompts Calls for Parliamentary Probe

TLDR

USD 2.5 million Treasury funds allegedly diverted to a hacker.
Funds were for a foreign debt repayment of USD 22.9 million.
Maithri Gunaratne requested Speaker to probe the alleged fraud.
Finance Ministry to clarify; Speaker to decide on investigation.

Concerns have emerged regarding an alleged diversion of USD 2.5 million from the Sri Lankan Treasury, which was reportedly intended for a foreign debt repayment. The funds, part of a larger USD 22.9 million settlement due in September 2025, are suspected to have been misdirected to a computer hacker or a third party through fraudulent payment instructions, failing to reach the intended creditor country. In response, the Free Lawyers organization, led by President's Counsel Maithri Gunaratne, has formally requested the Speaker of Parliament to initiate a comprehensive parliamentary investigation into the incident. Opposition members, including MP Namal Rajapaksa, have also highlighted the alleged loss, describing it as a "serious breakdown" of institutional safeguards and oversight. This incident follows a recent shift in responsibility for foreign debt repayments from the Central Bank to the Treasury.

2 Updates

Update #3\u00b7 Apr 22 · 1:01 PM

President's Counsel Maithri Gunaratne has submitted a letter to the Speaker concerning the alleged USD 2.5 million Treasury diversion. Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the Speaker will now decide whether to initiate an investigation after reviewing the facts. The alleged diversion of USD 2.5 million reportedly occurred during a USD 22.9 million foreign debt repayment.

Update #2\u00b7 Apr 22 · 11:47 AM

Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa announced that the Ministry of Finance will issue a clarification regarding the alleged USD 2.5 million Treasury diversion, noting he did not yet have detailed information and acknowledging questions about the reported suspension of Treasury officials. Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa alleged the funds, intended for a foreign debt repayment, were diverted to a hacker through fraudulent instructions, raising concerns over the country's financial security and government financial management systems.

WhatsApp Post on X

Pulse Check — How do you feel?

Discussion

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!