Tag: SriLanka

Sri Lanka Launches Investigation After Cyber Theft of 2.5 Million Dollars Cyber fraud uncovered in sovereign debt payment system Sri Lankan authorities have started a formal investigation after hackers breached finance ministry systems and diverted 2.5 million dollars from a scheduled debt payment to Australia. Officials say the transfer was part of a bilateral repayment arrangement linked to a settlement planned for September 2025. The issue came to light only after the Australian side reported that the payment had not been received. How the money was diverted Investigators believe the attackers targeted the debt payment process by manipulating instructions sent through email communication channels. This allowed them to redirect funds into unauthorized bank accounts instead of the intended recipient. Authorities suspect the breach happened in January, but the discovery was delayed for several months. Officials also noted that the hackers attempted a similar manipulation during a later payment related to India. That attempt raised further suspicion and helped uncover irregularities in banking details. Government action and internal suspensions Harshana Suriyapperuma, secretary of the finance ministry, confirmed that four senior officers from the Public Debt Management Office have been suspended as part of the investigation. The government is now working with international law enforcement partners to trace the stolen funds and identify those responsible. Deputy finance minister Anil Jayantha Fernando stated that the case became clearer after repeated attempts to alter payment instructions triggered internal reviews. Economic background adds pressure This cyber incident comes at a sensitive time for Sri Lanka, which is still recovering from a severe financial crisis in recent years. The country previously struggled with a major foreign currency shortage that disrupted imports of fuel, food, and medicine. Sri Lanka later defaulted on a large portion of its external debt, estimated at 46 billion dollars. The crisis led to widespread public protests and major political changes in 2022. International coordination underway Australian officials confirmed they are aware of the issue and are supporting Sri Lanka’s investigation. Both countries are now coordinating to track the diverted funds and secure future payment systems. Authorities in Colombo have also increased warnings about cyber scams, especially those targeting financial and government institutions.
Crime and Justice

Sri Lanka Launches Investigation After Cyber Theft of 2.5 Million Dollars

Cyber fraud uncovered in sovereign debt payment system Sri Lankan authorities have…

Sri Lanka sends home 238 Iranian sailors after US Submarine attack Rescue and return of Stranded Sailors Sri Lanka returned 238 Iranian sailors stranded in the country after an attack by a US sub near their waters. After the attack, the sailors were stuck for more than a month in Sri Lanka. Aruna Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Defence confirmed on Wednesday night that 32 sailors and 206 crew from the Iranian warship Iris Dena as well as a group from Irins Bushehr had left Sri Lanka. After completing the necessary procedures, authorities arranged for special flights to safely return them to Iran. Deathly attack on Iranian Warship On 4 March, a US sub launched a torpedo at the Iranian navy vessel Iris Dena. This attack took place about 40 km off the southern coast of Sri Lanka. A powerful explosion caused by the strike sank a ship. The attack claimed the lives of 104 sailors. Rescue teams later recovered 84 corpses. Iran chartered a plane to take them home. The Second Vessel Needs to Dock Immediately The second Iranian vessel, Irins Bushehr requested an emergency docking at Sri Lanka a day after the attacks. It was a vessel with engine issues that needed immediate help. Sri Lankan officials allowed the vessel to dock in a port located near Trincomalee, in northeastern Sri Lanka after several hours of discussions. About 15 Iranians will remain behind to maintain and operate the vessel which is anchored. Sri Lanka: Humanitarian Aid Sri Lankan authorities issued 30 day visas for the sailors, and offered them shelter at navy and airforce camps. Anura Kumara dissanayake, the president of Sri Lanka, said that his country had acted for humanitarian reasons. Sri Lanka, he said, aims to safeguard lives and maintain its neutrality in international conflicts. Growing Regional Tensions The sinking by the United States of America, Israel and Iran, of Iris Dena occurred early on in their ongoing conflict. This attack was a significant escalation of tensions in the entire region. Iran launched strikes in retaliation for the attack against US-allied nations of the Middle East. Sri Lankan Neutral Stance Sri Lanka's non-alignment policy has been in place since 1948, when it gained independence. Sri Lanka continues to have balanced relations both with Iran and with the United States. The officials stressed that they were responding based on their humanitarian responsibilities, not political affiliation.
NewsWar

Sri Lanka sends home 238 Iranian sailors after US Submarine attack

Rescue and return of Stranded Sailors Sri Lanka returned 238 Iranian sailors…

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