Sri Lankan Financial Cyber Scandal Unravels: Tragedy Strikes Amidst Investigation

A senior Sri Lankan official connected to a hacking scandal resulting in the loss of USD 2.5 million was found dead. This follows a suspension due to the cyber theft from the Finance Ministry. Investigations and political scrutiny are intensifying over this serious security lapse.

The cyber scandal engulfing Sri Lanka's Finance Ministry took a tragic turn as a senior official was discovered dead in Kuliyapitiya. Linked to the massive USD 2.5 million loss due to hacking, the unnamed Assistant Director from the External Resources Department faced suspension pending investigation.

This cyber fraud, which reportedly rerouted funds meant for Australia as part of a USD 22.9 million debt repayment, shook confidence in the Ministry's security protocols. Treasury Secretary Harshana Suriyapperuma addressed Parliament's Committee on Public Finance to discuss the breach's implications and ongoing investigations.

The incident prompted political backlash from the main opposition party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya, highlighting governmental oversight failures. As pressure mounts, authorities pledge to enhance cybersecurity measures to prevent future breaches.