<ul><li>SJB denied urgent debate on Treasury-linked payment</li><li>Opposition to consult allies on next move</li><li>Public kept in the dark for months, Opposition alleges</li><li>Head: Govt. blames State officials 'irresponsibility'</li></ul> A political showdown is brewing over the controversial cyber fraud involving nearly US$ 2.5 million in diverted State funds, after the Government blocked an Opposition request for an urgent Parliamentary debate next month.The main Opposition, the SJB, said it will now engage in internal discussions and consult other Opposition parties to determine its next course of action, following repeated resistance from the NPP to allocate time for a one-day debate.Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathilleka, speaking to The Daily Morning, said the issue was raised at a party leaders’ meeting convened under the patronage of Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne yesterday (27), ahead of Parliament reconvening in the week beginning 5 May after the Sinhala and Tamil New Year recess.He said the Opposition had formally requested that time be allocated during the first Parliamentary week to debate the transaction, which was carried out by the Finance Ministry. “We also explained how such a debate could be accommodated within the Parliamentary schedule. However, the Ruling Party continued to maintain that time could not be allocated,” he said.Karunathilleka stressed that financial authority rests with Parliament and raised concern the transaction had taken place nearly four months ago without the Legislature being informed. Given the scale and implications of the incident, he said, the public had a right to know the full facts.“As the Ruling Party continuously opposed our request, we decided to hold further discussions within the SJB and with leaders of other Opposition parties to determine the next steps,” he added.Speaker Wickramaratne and Chief Government Whip Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa were unavailable for comment.Meanwhile, Ports, Civil Aviation and Energy Minister, Anura Karunathilaka has described the payment of US $ 2.5 million by the Treasury to cybercriminals as an act of serious irresponsibility by State officials.Speaking to journalists, he said that a special investigation has been launched into officials allegedly involved in the incident.He said that disciplinary action has already been initiated against those found responsible, adding that further steps will be taken based on the findings of ongoing inquiries.Karunathilaka also noted that attention has been extended to other parties linked to the matter as investigations continue.“Clearly, there has been irresponsible conduct by State officials. Disciplinary action has already been taken against the relevant officials. Further action will be taken based on the outcomes of the investigation,” he said.The controversy centres on an alleged cyber fraud in which nearly US$ 2.5 million, linked to a bilateral transaction with Australia, was diverted from an official Government payment earlier this year. According to available information, the funds—intended for an Australian creditor—were redirected after email communications related to the transfer were compromised by cyber actors.While the payment was processed through official Treasury-linked systems, the intended recipient reportedly did not receive the funds, raising serious questions over safeguards, accountability, and the integrity of State financial transactions.&nbsp;

$2.5m cyber fraud row sparks showdown: Govt Blocks Fraud Debate 

<ul><li>$2.5m Treasury cyber fraud still not before courts</li><li>No statements recorded from suspended officials, lawyers claim</li></ul>﻿The Free Lawyers organisation yesterday (27) charged that five days after a suspected cyber heist involving US$ 2.5 million in State funds, serious questions are mounting over delays, accountability, and transparency, amid claims&nbsp; the matter has yet to even reach the courts.They stressed that despite the gravity of the alleged Treasury-linked fraud, key legal and investigative steps remain stalled, raising concerns over the handling of one of the most serious financial breaches in recent times.The organisation stated that the facts of the incident have still not been reported to a Magistrate’s Court, while investigators have also failed, thus far, to record statements from the suspended officers connected to the transaction.Against this backdrop, it has directed 22 open questions to President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Cabinet of Ministers, insisting that both must provide clear and transparent answers to the public.The questions seek to establish whether the Government acknowledges the US$ 2.5 million has been misplaced or stolen, and whether the President had been informed of the incident and its timeline. The organisation also queried whether a prior cyber attack on the Finance Ministry’s data systems—reportedly around 6 September 2025—had been brought to the attention of the political leadership, and what action, if any, had followed.It further pressed the President, who holds multiple key portfolios including Finance and National Security, on whether he accepts responsibility for the alleged breach at the General Treasury, warning that the incident may indicate vulnerabilities across critical sectors tied to national security.The organisation also raised concerns over the appointment and conduct of the Finance Ministry Secretary, questioning his experience and alleging possible interference with evidence, including changes to appointments and preliminary investigation reports.Among other issues, the questions probe when the President was first informed of the incident, whether Parliament and the public were duly notified in line with constitutional provisions, and whether a complaint had been promptly lodged with law enforcement authorities, including the Criminal Investigation Department.The organisation also questioned whether the continued tenure of the Finance Ministry Secretary could compromise the integrity of any investigation, and called for his immediate removal to ensure a fair and independent probe.The controversy stems from an alleged cyber fraud earlier this year, in which funds from a Treasury-linked payment—connected to a bilateral transaction with Australia—were diverted after email communications tied to the transfer were reportedly compromised.While the payment was processed through official channels, the intended recipient did not receive the funds, fuelling growing concern over systemic lapses and the safeguarding of public finances.

 $ 2.5 m fraud: The Free Lawyers pose 22 queries to the President

<ul><li>Main suspect monk detained till 2 May</li></ul> The Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry has scheduled a meeting with the Chief Prelates of the three Buddhist Sects; Siam, Amarapura, Ramanna, today (28) regarding the incident in which a group of 22 monks was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake on 26 April for the possession of ‘Kush’ cannabis and ‘Hash’ narcotics, estimated to be valued at over Rs. 110 million.Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (27), Ministry Secretary, W.P. Senadheera said the arrests had taken place according to the prevailing law of the country, under which the possession of drugs is a punishable act. He added that since the incident involves a group of monks, the Ministry has scheduled a meeting with the Chief Prelates to discuss the matter. “We would be taking necessary steps as a Ministry also according to the guidance and advice from the Chief Prelates,” he said.In one of the largest narcotics seizures ever recorded at the BIA, 22 individuals dressed in Buddhist monastic robes were arrested with more than 110 kilograms (kg) of drugs valued at over Rs. 110 million on 26 April. Following the arrests, the suspects were produced before Negombo Additional Magistrate Subhani Abeysekera, who ordered them to be detained for seven days for questioning. Further, the Police have arrested the main suspect in Meegahawatta, Gampaha, who was also identified as a monk, who is alleged to have facilitated the group of monks who were apprehended with the large stock of narcotics. Following the arrest, the Chief Prelates had also issued a joint statement condemning the anti-doctrinal and illegal acts of the group of “monk impersonators” accused of misusing the saffron robe to traffic drugs.Meanwhile, investigations have been initiated into the incident involving several saffron-robed individuals arrested with narcotics at the BIA, the Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala stated. Speaking to the media after an event held yesterday, he emphasised that all individuals are equal before the law and that no distinction will be made between the powerful and the vulnerable in legal proceedings.&nbsp;He stated the relevant facts regarding the incident have already been submitted to courts and that further legal action will follow based on ongoing investigations. Wijepala also noted that the authorities are acting in line with guidance from the Buddhist clergy while simultaneously pursuing legal measures. As part of a nationwide anti-drug operation, more than 110 kg of narcotics were seized at the BIA, with several monks among those arrested.&nbsp;Investigations are ongoing, and officials say that further steps will be taken based on their findings. The Chief Prelates noted that all the “monk impersonators” involved in this illegal act, which they say has been committed by abusing the traditional respect and acceptance of a monk in the Sri Lankan society and the teachings of Buddhists regarding the noble saffron robe of Buddhist monks, should be duly punished.Meanwhile, the alleged main suspect, a Buddhist monk, who is accused of orchestrating the movement of 22 members of the clergy arrested at the BIA with a large consignment of narcotics, has been ordered to be detained and interrogated for seven days until 2 May. The order was issued yesterday by Negombo Additional Magistrate Subhani Abeysekara when the suspect was produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court. The suspect is alleged to have been preparing to receive a large shipment of narcotics brought from Thailand at the BIA.Following the arrest of 22 monks at the Airport with narcotics, the main suspect reportedly fled the scene and went into hiding in the Miriswatta area before being arrested by the Police on 26 April.Investigations have revealed the suspect was under the influence of drugs at the time of the arrest, according to medical reports.Authorities also stated the individual coordinated the travel of the other monks to Thailand and managed the WhatsApp communications used in the operation, as revealed in Court.Police have recovered 112 kg of narcotics, including “Kush” cannabis and “Hash,” valued at over Rs. 1.1 billion, which were allegedly smuggled into the country concealed in travel bags by the group of 22 monks.

Monks arrested for drugs: Buddhasasana Ministry to meet Chief Prelates 

A complaint was lodged yesterday (27) with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) requesting an investigation into alleged corruption and irregularities in diesel imports carried out by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC).&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The complaint was filed by the Joint Opposition, which claims that the incident has resulted in a massive financial loss to the Government.Accordingly, the complaint calls on the relevant authorities to obtain information from the concerned officials, examine the related documents, and investigate whether a significant financial loss and fraud have occurred. It also urges that legal action be taken against those found responsible.

Diesel imports: Joint Opposition complains to CIABOC

A series of protests was held yesterday (27) against the alleged incident in which a US$ 2.5 million loan installment owed by the Government to a foreign entity was reportedly diverted to an external party.The Sarvajana Balaya organised a protest in front of the Finance Ministry premises.&nbsp;The SLPP, also of the Opposition, staged a protest yesterday morning in front of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), condemning the same incident.&nbsp;In addition, several other demonstrations were held in relation to the matter, including a protest organised by the Aragalaye Purawesiyo group, which took place yesterday in front of the CBSL.

 $ 2.5 m fraud : Protests mount against Finance Ministry, CBSL

Ongoing reforms to procurement processes in the energy sector are mainly aimed at ensuring efficiency and that less-qualified suppliers do not enter the process, according to Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka. Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (27), he said that shortcomings had been identified in the current purchasing process, including inconsistencies in the criteria used during evaluations. “Sometimes, there are changes in the criteria that are taken into account, and this affects the overall efficiency of the process,” he noted. He explained that the proposed changes are intended to reduce opportunities for less-qualified suppliers to enter the process, while enabling top-tier suppliers to participate more effectively. “We are looking at restructuring the process in a way that gives priority to the best suppliers. This will help us avoid certain problematic situations.” In recent months, the energy sector has faced scrutiny amid allegations of substandard coal imports, with claims that certain shipments failed to meet the required quality standards. In response, the Ministry earlier stated that it is reviewing procedures to make coal procurement more reliable. Throughout the past, procurement in the energy sector has repeatedly drawn criticism over alleged irregularities in the tender procedures, pricing decisions and supplier selection.

Energy sector procurement: Reforms to prevent less qualified suppliers 

The main Opposition Party, the SJB, has extended an invitation to the UNP, to attend its May Day rally, which is scheduled to be held in Colombo.SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara has informed UNP General Secretary, attorney Thalatha Atukorale through a formal letter sent in this regard.The May Day rally organised by the SJB is set to take place on 1 May at the P.D. Sirisena Grounds in Maligawatte, commencing at 2 p.m. under the leadership of the SJB and Opposition Leader, Sajith Premadasa.In his letter, Madduma Bandara stated that the time has come for the UNP and the SJB to work together in the face of the challenges confronting the country.Accordingly, he noted that on the instructions of Premadasa, the decision was made to invite the UNP to join this year’s May Day rally.

SJB invites UNP to May Day rally

The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) said the depreciation of the Rupee will necessitate a reconsideration of the maximum prices imposed on certain medicines.Speaking to The Daily Morning, NMRA Chairperson Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama explained that although medicines are imported from countries including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, and not the Middle East per se, the Rupee’s fall in value will require a price hike for some drugs. "A total of 85 per cent of our medicines are being imported. Among them, there are 60 with maximum prices. We can’t tell which medicines will be subjected to a price hike, but not all medicines either - there will be some sort of a price hike in some medicines,” he said.When queried about delays in the import license process, widely discussed recently as a cause of supply disruptions, Dr. Wijewickrama said that there is no connection between that process and pricing, and confirmed that those delays are now under control.He also added that while consumers should expect a hike in drug prices, measures are in place to ensure the continuous availability of all essential medicines without any disruption to the supply.

Rupee devaluation: Some medicines to see price hike 

<ul><li>Note lack of functional speedometers&nbsp;</li></ul>Locomotive engine drivers will strictly adhere to prescribed speed limits in the future, the Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union announced while warning that this may result in delays to rail services. The President of the Union Jeeva Gunawardena said that the decision was taken following the suspension of the staff of the Sagarika Express train, which recently derailed at the Wadduwa Railway Station. However, he emphasised that the move does not constitute trade union action.&nbsp;Gunawardena noted that the derailment occurred during normal operations and not in an area subject to temporary speed restrictions, stressing that it was not due to any intentional act or negligence on the part of the driver or crew. “The Sagarika train derailed at the Wadduwa Railway Station. Following this, on 26 April, the train crew, including our driver, was suspended. After we pointed out to the management that this was wrong, they reported for duty but were kept off active service. This incident did not occur at a location with temporary speed restrictions,” he said. He added that although concerns were raised with the Railways management regarding the suspension, the crew members who reported for duty were not assigned to active service.The Union has protested the decision to suspend only the train crew, pointing to longstanding technical shortcomings within the railway system. According to Gunawardena, locomotives currently in operation have multiple defects, while track maintenance remains inadequate. “Furthermore, we usually ensure that trains run on time by having the driver take personal risks with their job security,” he noted. However, under the current circumstances, they will no longer do so, resulting in stricter compliance with operational regulations and potential delays. Gunawardena also highlighted that a significant number of trains lack essential equipment, including functional speedometers, making it difficult to accurately monitor speed. “Therefore, we have decided to operate trains without taking such risks from now on. Trains will run, but, there will be delays. There are significant technical defects in the trains currently in operation. Although top officials tell us to follow speed limits, about 80 per cent of the trains lack functional speedometers and other necessary equipment to determine speed,” he added.He called on the authorities to provide a clear timeframe to address these issues, warning that the failure to do so may compel drivers to withdraw from operating defective trains.

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