Government Rejects Opposition's Call for Debate on Disputed $2.5 Million Treasury Payment

The Sri Lankan government has rejected a request from the opposition for a one-day parliamentary debate concerning a USD 2.5 million payment made by the Treasury. This payment, intended as a foreign debt installment, reportedly ended up in the hands of a third party or cybercriminals. The request was made by the opposition during a party leaders' meeting held on May 27th, chaired by the Speaker, where parliamentary business for the week commencing May 5th was discussed. Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Gayantha Karunathilaka, who serves as the Chief Opposition Whip, confirmed the government's refusal. The opposition is now reportedly discussing its next steps regarding the incident.