Hackers Infiltrate Sri Lanka's Finance Ministry System; Probe Underway Into Theft

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development says cyber hackers have gained unauthorized access to the computer system of a department within the institution, prompting complaints about a  theft that was committed to law enforcement agencies and other relevant institutions.

The ministry said the breach affected the computer system of the External Resources Department. It added that, based on information identified in relation to a foreign currency payment in January 2026, the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SL-CERT) and the Computer Crime Investigation Division of the Sri Lanka Police were informed.

Following those investigations, complaints were also lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Central Bank. The ministry said a preliminary internal inquiry has already been conducted, with necessary actions taken and disciplinary steps initiated against several officials.

The ministry said it will continue to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigations and has already provided the required information to the relevant law enforcement agencies. It added that updates will be issued later, once doing so will not interfere with the investigations.

The statement also said future arrangements will be made in line with the existing agreements between Sri Lanka and foreign jurisdictions.