Finance Ministry’s Silence is a Threat to Financial Security: MP Harsha de Silva

24-Apr-2026

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Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Colombo District MP Harsha de Silva said that the theft of Sri Lanka’s foreign debt instalment payments through a cyber breach, along with the Finance Ministry’s silence on the matter, poses a serious threat to the country’s financial security.

He warned that despite five attempts to transfer the payment to lenders, the failure of funds to reach them could push the country into a “technical default” situation.

He questioned why the issue had been concealed from Parliament for such a long period, despite reports that a committee had already been appointed in March to investigate the fraud.

Speaking to the media, MP de Silva said it was concerning that he had been forced to address the matter outside Parliament, despite intending to make an official statement in the House.

He said information had emerged indicating that the funds were stolen through a cyber intrusion during a Treasury debt instalment payment. Although he wrote to the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance seeking clarification, no response was received.

He noted that failure to repay debt could be considered a technical default. Even after five payments were made, the lenders did not receive the funds, and the matter only came to light after the lenders raised concerns.

Referring to Article 148 of the Constitution, he said full authority over public finance lies with Parliament, not with the Finance Ministry or the Committee on Public Finance. He also claimed Finance Ministry officials had repeatedly failed to attend committee meetings, including those related to casino regulation, the 2025 financial report, and coordination between the Treasury and Central Bank.

He said the President, in his capacity as Finance Minister, had been informed in writing.

MP de Silva stressed that Sri Lanka must not undermine the international confidence regained after three difficult years under the IMF programme.

He added that under the Public Debt Management Act, such transactions should be handled through the newly established Debt Management Office. However, he said concerns had already been raised about appointing inexperienced individuals to that office.

He declined to comment on social media claims about money being sent to personal accounts, stating that as a responsible office-bearer he was awaiting an official response from the Finance Ministry Secretary.

He reiterated the need for immediate transparency to restore national financial security and international confidence.