<ul><li>CoPF Chair notes ‘multiple irregularities’&nbsp;</li><li>Says Public Debt Management Office mandated to handle payments</li><li>Slams Planning Service appointments to top posts over SLAS experience&nbsp;</li><li>Finds improper delegation of financial authority&nbsp;</li></ul> Multiple administrative irregularities within Government systems were key to the US$ 2.5 million cyber fraud, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) Dr. Harsha de Silva told Parliament yesterday (5), describing the breach as a “massive theft”.&nbsp;According to Dr. de Silva, who chairs the CoPF that recently reviewed details of the transaction, one issue was procedural uncertainty within the Finance Ministry over which institution – the External Resources Department (ERD) or the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) – is legally mandated to handle such payments. He explained that while the ERD’s role is limited to negotiating bilateral loans, debt servicing is carried out by the PDMO.Another issue flagged by Dr. de Silva relates to appointments to top ministerial departmental positions such as Directors General (DGs), which, he said, are increasingly being filled by officials from the Planning Service rather than the Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS), the latter traditionally possessing broader administrative experience.A further concern raised was the improper delegation of financial authority, including instances where Secretaries had delegated approval powers to Directors.Dr. de Silva said that the recent cyber fraud involving a Government payment of US$ 2.5 million “certainly involves a massive theft” and that the next step is to identify those responsible, a task to be handled by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).Speaking in Parliament yesterday, he said that although the Deputy Finance Minister had presented the incident as routine and without serious implications, the details reviewed by the Committee suggested otherwise.He noted that the CoPF had held a closed-door session on the matter and requested that a summary of the facts be submitted to Parliament and made available to the public. Based on those discussions, he said, it was evident that multiple administrative irregularities had occurred within the relevant processes.Dr. de Silva questioned the ERD’s involvement in the transaction, stating that it had no direct role in such payments. “The relevant law clearly limits the ERD’s role&nbsp; negotiating bilateral loans. Debt servicing should be carried out through the PDMO, in line with established procedures. This situation indicates a lack of clarity among the relevant parties themselves. They appear to be uncertain about their own duties,” he said.He also drew attention to appointments to key positions within institutions such as the Finance Ministry and the PDMO, noting that such roles are traditionally held by experienced SLAS officers who have served across multiple institutions before reaching senior posts such as DG. However, he alleged that individuals from the Planning Service had been appointed to these roles instead.“I challenge anyone to correct me if I am wrong. To my knowledge, both the DGs of the PDMO and the ERD are from the Planning Service and do not possess the required level of experience for such responsibilities,” he said.Dr. de Silva further noted that the Secretary to the Treasury was, for the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, a former Parliamentarian, and claimed that this reflected a lack of administrative experience at the highest level. “When both the Ministry Secretary and the DGs lack adequate experience, it is no surprise that such incidents occur,” he said.He also questioned the approval process for the payments, referring to an alleged statement by the Deputy Finance Minister that a payment of US$ 900,000 had been approved by a Director. He argued that proper delegation of authority procedures had not been followed.“In any Ministry, one of the first responsibilities of a Secretary is to clearly define financial authority – who can approve what amount. Can a Director approve such a payment? Was this delegation properly done?” he asked.Speaking further, he said: “There has been a theft here. No one can escape it. The thieves must now be caught. The CID will handle that. As the CoPF, we will identify the administrative issues and recommend the necessary action.”Dr. de Silva also criticised the Ministry for failing to appear before the Committee despite being summoned on three previous occasions. He said that neither the Secretary nor a Deputy Secretary had attended the sessions, and that he had written to the President on the matter.“It was only after that letter that we were informed they could not attend. That is not acceptable,” he said, adding that although he had refrained from pursuing a privilege motion and instead granted additional time, that leniency should not be taken for granted.He concluded by warning that the financial loss would ultimately fall on taxpayers if those responsible are not held accountable and required to repay the funds.“This is not money that can be sourced elsewhere. Either it must be recovered from those responsible, or the Government must openly state that the burden will be passed on to the public through taxes,” he said.He added that under the relevant legal provisions and Standing Orders, the CoPF has full authority to examine matters related to public debt servicing, and insisted that the Committee would carry out its work in a professional and impartial manner.The incident in question involves an alleged cyber fraud in which nearly US$ 2.5 million from a Government payment linked to a bilateral transaction with Australia was diverted after email communications related to the transfer were compromised. Although the payment was processed through official systems, the intended Australian recipient did not receive the funds.

‘Massive $ 2.5 m cyber theft’

The High Court Trial-at-Bar in Colombo has decided to recommence the long-stalled trial on the abduction and enforced disappearance of journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda, following a formal indictment filed by the Attorney General (AG).The case was previously heard before a three-Judge bench comprising Judges Namal Balalle, Mahen Weeraman, and Sujeewa Nissanka. However, the trial had been disrupted for several months due to the suspension of Balalle pending a disciplinary inquiry and the retirement of Weeraman.Consequently, Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena appointed a new three-Judge bench to preside over the proceedings. The case was taken up on Monday (4) before the newly constituted bench comprising Judges Nayana Seneviratne, Nalin Hewawasam, and Lakmali Hewawasam.Notably, while the case was previously heard at the Hulftsdorp Court Complex, Monday’s proceedings were held at a Court established within an official residence on Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo, which was previously occupied by former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella during his tenure.Upon taking up the case, the bench ordered that the trial proceed on a weekly basis commencing from 8 May. The Court also issued summons to two witnesses, directing them to appear on the next hearing date.The AG filed this case during the tenure of the former United National Front Government in connection with the abduction and enforced disappearance of Ekneligoda between 24 and 27 January 2010. Nine members of the Army Intelligence Unit, including Colonel Shammi Arjuna Kumararatne, who served as the Commanding Officer of the Giritale Army Camp, have been named as defendants in the case.

Under new Trial-at-Bar bench: Ekneligoda case to be heard on weekly basis 

A 12-member Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) was appointed yesterday (5) to review and report on election laws, excluding provisions relating to the Provincial Council (PC) Elections.Speaker of Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne announced the appointment in Parliament yesterday (5).The Committee has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of the existing electoral legal framework (excluding PC Election laws), presenting its findings to Parliament, and submitting proposals and recommendations aimed at strengthening transparency within the electoral system.Prof. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna has been appointed as the Chair of the Committee. The other members appointed to the Committee are Dr. Upali Pannilage, Muneer Mulaffer, attorney Sunil Watagala, Ravi Karunanayake, J.C. Alawathuwala, Harshana Rajakaruna, Kathiravelu Shanmugam Kugathasan, Ruwanthilaka Jayakody, attorney Thushari Jayasinghe, Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran, and Chandima Hettiarachchi.

PSC to review election laws

Amid a rising number of incidents where foreign nationals are being arrested for engaging in online scams, and some for visa violations, the Police have warned that while the relevant foreigners are being punished according to the law, local citizens who rent houses to such scammers will also have to be dealt with in courts of law.Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (5), Police Media Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police and attorney F.U. Wootler said that the foreigners who are arrested are being referred to detention centres as per court directions. He added that owners of houses, apartments, and other rented premises from which these foreigners had operated scams will also be questioned. He warned the general public to be careful when renting out houses.As of early 2026, Sri Lanka has become a major hub for foreign-run, organised cybercrime, with hundreds of foreign nationals - mainly Chinese, along with Vietnamese, Malaysian, and other nationals - arrested for operating online scam networks. These groups operate from rented, high-end apartment complexes and villas, running fake investment apps, cryptocurrency fraud, and social media scams.Further contacted, the Computer Emergency Readiness Team’s Senior Information Security Engineer Charuka Damunupola said that in these scams, the target is not Sri Lankans but foreigners in most instances, even though the groups operate within the country.A series of raids has led to hundreds of arrests. In March, a joint operation involving military intelligence and Immigration authorities in Anuradhapura and Mihintale resulted in the arrest of 134 foreign nationals operating from guest houses. This was followed by another major raid in April in Chilaw, where more than 150 suspects were detained for allegedly running a cyber-scam operation from a rented hotel. Later, in Rajagiriya, over 120 foreign nationals were arrested, and a total of 37 foreign nationals, including a woman, were arrested on suspicion of involvement in computer-related crimes following a raid in Talangama.Attempts to contact the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Arun Hemachandra and the Controller General of the Immigration and Emigration Department Chaminda Pathiraja proved futile.

Police to crack down on renting to foreign scammers 

Amid ongoing protests by residents of Keppapilavu, Mullaitivu, over 170 acres of land yet to be returned after being taken over by the military in 2009 for a large-scale camp, the Defence Ministry said that the land will be safely returned once the ownership of all requests is confirmed.&nbsp;&nbsp;When contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday (5), Deputy Defence Minister, Major General (Retired) Aruna Jayasekara said that the Ministry, together with the Divisional Secretary of Mullaitivu, is in the process of confirming the ownership of those who have requested the return of the land. "There are around 15 people whose ownership of the lands has not been confirmed yet. Once the ownership is sorted, the lands will be released," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;As reported, the residential areas in this detained land once supported over 55 families and included homes, schools, places of worship, and shared community spaces. When queried as to whether these community facilities will be re-established following the release of the land, he said that the takeover happened when it was a need of the Government and that priority will be given to releasing the lands for now. He said that the feasibility of restoring them will be considered later.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, on International Workers' Day (1), residents of Keppapilavu had staged a protest demanding the release of lands that remain still under military occupation, nearly two decades after the end of the armed conflict. Similar protests had taken place prior to the recent event. Residents had also noted that since the current Government assumed office, multiple appeals have been made through formal channels, including submissions to the Presidential Secretariat and the Mullaitivu District Secretariat, stating that the efforts to date have yielded no meaningful progress toward the release of the remaining lands.

Keppapilavu: Ownership confirmations delay land release 

<ul><li>BASL notes same can be construed as unconstitutional interference&nbsp;</li></ul>A group of Opposition Parliamentarians called on the Government yesterday (5) to immediately cease statements aimed at the Judiciary, warning that such remarks threaten judicial independence.In a statement issued by the office of the Opposition Leader, the MPs demanded that comments made by the President during a recent May Day rally be withdrawn. The statement highlighted remarks in which the President urged supporters to be ready to applaud following a court verdict expected on 25 May. The Opposition described the comments as a serious threat to the independence of the Judiciary and an attempt to bring the courts under Executive influence. They further alleged that the President’s statement suggests prior knowledge of a pending court decision, raising concerns about the integrity of the judicial process.&nbsp;Emphasising constitutional principles, the MPs noted that justice must not only be meted out but must also be seen to be done. They stressed that the Judiciary is accountable to the Constitution and derives its authority from the people, not from political leaders or alliances. The statement also underscored that the Judiciary remains one of the few institutions that continues to command public respect in Sri Lanka.&nbsp;The MPs also reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the independence of the Judiciary within the democratic framework.Meanwhile, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) expressed serious concern over recent remarks made by President Dissanayake at a May Day rally, in which he referred to a judicial decision scheduled to be delivered on 25 May and suggested that the public would be able to applaud the outcome. The BASL stated that the nature of the statement could be interpreted as suggesting interference in the judicial process, and warned that such remarks risk undermining public confidence in the Judiciary.The BASL stated that it remains committed to protecting the independence and integrity of the Judiciary at all times, and will take all necessary steps to uphold these principles in the interest of democracy, the rule of law, and the Constitution.The BASL added that any such interference constitutes an offence under the Constitution.

Judicial independence: Opposition urges President to retract May Day comments 

The total outstanding bank borrowings obtained by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) from State banks as of 31 December 2024 stood at over Rs. 11 billion, with the corresponding bank balances recorded as at 28 February 2026, Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka said. Responding to a query by SJB Opposition Parliamentarian Rohana Bandara in Parliament yesterday (5), he confirmed that the CEB had taken Bank loans from several State-owned banks. Outlining steps being taken to reduce reliance on Bank borrowings, he said that the Government is working towards ensuring a cost-reflective electricity tariff mechanism. He noted that two key approaches are being pursued to support this effort: reducing the cost of power generation and cutting down operational expenses. “Our aim is to move towards a system where tariffs cover costs. At the same time, we are focusing on lowering generation costs and minimising operational expenditure.” &nbsp; The remarks come in the context of the recent restructuring of the electricity sector, under which the CEB was dissolved and replaced by six new entities responsible for generation, transmission, distribution, and system operations. The six Companies — Lanka Electricity Generation Lanka (Private) Limited, National Transmission Network Service Provider (Pvt.) Ltd., National System Operator (Pvt.) Ltd., Electricity Distribution Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd., Employees Fund (Pvt.) Ltd., and Energy Ventures Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd. — officially came into effect following the repeal of the CEB Act, No. 17 of 1969 and the legal dissolution of the Board. One of the key objectives of this restructuring process was to improve the financial position and overall sustainability of the electricity sector.

CEB State bank borrowings at Rs. 11 b 

In the wake of reporting delays and the underreporting of occupational injuries and diseases hindering employee welfare, the Labour Ministry is holding discussions with the Health Ministry to establish a system to make the process efficient.&nbsp;&nbsp;Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (5), Labour Ministry Secretary S.M. Piyatissa said that there is a delay of and underreporting of occupational injuries and occupational diseases in the country and consequently, the Labour Ministry and the Health Ministry are holding discussions on bringing in amendments to the legal provisions and to establish a more efficient system to receive data.&nbsp;&nbsp;"According to the prevailing law, it is a must to report if an employee is suffering from any occupational injury or a disease that would prevent them from reporting to work for more than three days. But still, occupational diseases are almost unreported and occupational injuries are underreported. It is when an issue with the compensation process arises that these matters come to the light," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;He added that every doctor cannot identify these occupational diseases and that there are specialised doctors for that. He also added that it is not practical to establish a digitalised system to enter the data since the doctors might find it difficult to adapt.&nbsp;&nbsp;He said that as being suggested by the Secretary to the Health Ministry, Dr. Anil Jasinghe, it will be plausible to implement a system to extract this data from the bed cards of patients at hospitals. And also, he added that amendments to the laws to provide power and provisions for the Public Health Inspectors to interrogate into these unsafe work places and take necessary actions will also be considered.&nbsp;

Occupational injuries, diseases: Labour-Health Ministries to address reporting issues

The Joint Alliance of Port Trade Unions (TUs) has informed the Chairperson of the Ports Authority and the relevant authorities, including President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in writing that the senior management of the Authority has confirmed that it is more advantageous to operate the East Container Terminal (ECT) of the Colombo Port and the South Asia Gateway Terminal (SAGT) under the Ports Authority. They have also stated that they would oppose any attempt by the Government to privatise the ECT or to re-privatise the SAGT.&nbsp;The letter further stated that although the SAGT, which has been leased to a private partnership for a period of 30 years, has generated a total revenue of only about United States Dollars ($) 250 million over the 27 years so far, the Managing Director (MD) of the Authority has stated that even the currently constructed half of the ECT alone could generate about $ one million per day, amounting to approximately $ 360 million per year.&nbsp; It is also mentioned that the MD revealed these facts during a special awareness programme held on 29 April at the Mahapola Ports and Maritime Academy to brief executive officers of the Authority on the current status of the ECT.Accordingly, it is stated that upon completion of the entire construction of the ECT, an annual revenue of around $ 700 million could be generated using prime movers. The senior management of the Authority has also indicated that even in the absence of essential equipment such as straddle carriers required for operations, the first 10 lanes could still be operated using prime movers to generate an annual revenue of approximately $ 360 million.The letter further stated that in 2020, when the then Government and the administration attempted to privatise the ECT, it was only after a struggle involving all TUs, mass organisations, all employees of the Authority, and the general public that the Terminal was retained under the Authority. It also claimed that the present Government, which came to power on an election promise not to privatise the ECT, has now instructed the preparation of plans to privatise it, and that the Presidential Secretary has sent a letter to the Ports and Shipping Ministry and the Authority in this regard.However, the Joint Alliance stated that the above position expressed by the MD of the Authority may be considered a clarification of the internal stance of the senior management regarding the Presidential Secretary’s letter, and that the Alliance agrees to extend its unconditional support to that position. The letter also alleged that the cancellation of the tender that had been called to procure straddle carriers — an essential piece of equipment for operating the ECT — and the continued delay by the Government in reordering them for more than one and a half years are part of a conspiracy to create conditions favourable for the privatisation of the ECT.&nbsp;It further stated that the Joint Alliance will take the lead in defeating all attempts to hand over these two Terminals back to the private sector.The letter, signed by the heads of the Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya, the Podujana Progressive Employees’ Union, the National Workers’ Union, the Samagi Workers’ Union, and the Eksath Workers’ Union — organisations affiliated with the Joint Alliance, which represents a majority of the employees of the Authority — has been addressed to the Chairperson of the Authority, with copies forwarded to 10 parties including the President, the Prime Minister (PM), and the Opposition Leader.

‘Massive $ 2.5 m cyber theft’

Under new Trial-at-Bar bench: Ekneligoda case to be heard on weekly ba ...

Under new Trial-at-Bar bench: ...

PSC to review election laws

PSC to review election laws

Police to crack down on renting to foreign scammers

Police to crack down on rentin ...

Keppapilavu: Ownership confirmations delay land release

Keppapilavu: Ownership confirm ...

Judicial independence: Opposition urges President to retract May Day c ...

Judicial independence: Opposit ...

CEB State bank borrowings at Rs. 11 b

CEB State bank borrowings at R ...

Occupational injuries, diseases: Labour-Health Ministries to address r ...

Occupational injuries, disease ...

Port TUs warn Govt: ‘Hands off ECT, SAGT’

Port TUs warn Govt: ‘Hands off ...

Under new Trial-at-Bar bench: Ekneligoda case to be heard on weekly ba ...

Under new Trial-at-Bar bench: ...

PSC to review election laws

PSC to review election laws

Police to crack down on renting to foreign scammers

Police to crack down on rentin ...

Keppapilavu: Ownership confirmations delay land release

Keppapilavu: Ownership confirm ...

Judicial independence: Opposition urges President to retract May Day c ...

Judicial independence: Opposit ...

CEB State bank borrowings at Rs. 11 b

CEB State bank borrowings at R ...

Occupational injuries, diseases: Labour-Health Ministries to address r ...

Occupational injuries, disease ...

Port TUs warn Govt: ‘Hands off ECT, SAGT’

Port TUs warn Govt: ‘Hands off ...

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Under new Trial-at-Bar bench: Ekneligoda case to be heard on weekly ba ...

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PSC to review election laws

PSC to review election laws

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Police to crack down on renting to foreign scammers

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Keppapilavu: Ownership confirmations delay land release

Keppapilavu: Ownership confirm ...

Judicial independence: Opposition urges President to retract May Day c ...

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CEB State bank borrowings at Rs. 11 b

CEB State bank borrowings at R ...