EconomyPoliticsCrimeHOTTuesday, April 28, 2026

Parliamentary Committee Summons Top Officials Over Alleged $2.5 Million Cyber Theft

TLDR

COPF probes alleged US$2.5 million cyber theft.
Treasury Secretary Suriyapperuma cannot attend April 30 COPF hearing.
Central Bank Governor Weerasinghe also summoned by COPF.
Five officials face travel ban over debt office incident.

The Committee on Public Finance (COPF), chaired by Dr. Harsha de Silva, has decided to summon key financial officials to Parliament. Finance Ministry Secretary Harshana Suriyapperuma, along with other senior Ministry officials and the Central Bank Governor, are scheduled to appear before the committee on Thursday, May 30th. This summoning is to investigate an alleged US$2.5 million cyber theft incident involving a foreign debt repayment from the Treasury. Dr. de Silva expressed skepticism regarding claims that the Ministry's computer network was hacked, stating it would be a "serious issue" if true, but he is "99% sure" it has not occurred. The COPF aims to make a non-partisan decision on the matter.

4 Updates

Update #5\u00b7 Apr 29 · 6:31 PM

Deputy Minister of Mass Media Kaushalya Ariyaratne has clarified that Treasury Secretary Harshana Suriyapperuma informed the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) that he could not appear as scheduled on April 30 because President Anura Kumara Dissanayake intends to make a special statement in Parliament regarding the alleged $2.5 million cyber theft. The President's statement is expected in the coming days, and the Secretary's non-attendance is linked to this impending announcement.

Update #4\u00b7 Apr 29 · 4:46 PM

Deputy Minister of Mass Media Kaushalya Ariyaratne has clarified that Treasury Secretary Harshana Suriyapperuma has not refused to appear before the Committee on Public Finance (COPF). Instead, the Secretary informed the committee in writing that he cannot appear as scheduled on Thursday, April 30. This statement was made in response to COPF Chairman Dr. Harsha de Silva's earlier confirmation of receiving the Secretary's letter regarding his inability to attend.

Update #3\u00b7 Apr 29 · 1:31 PM

Treasury Secretary Harshana Suriyapperuma has informed the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) in writing that he will be unable to appear before it as scheduled on Thursday, April 30. COPF Chairman Dr. Harsha de Silva confirmed that the committee received the letter today.

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