Finance Minister and Treasury Secretary Must Resign: Maithri Gunaratne

24-Apr-2026

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President’s Counsel Maithri Gunaratne, Chairman of the Independent Lawyers’ Association, said that if a proper and independent investigation is to be conducted into the cyber fraud involving USD 2.5 million in sovereign debt payments, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake must step down from his position as Finance Minister. He also said Treasury Secretary Harsha Suryapperuma should resign.

He made these remarks to the media following a press briefing held in Colombo on April 23.

Gunaratne said the cyber intrusion and fraudulent diversion of USD 2.5 million is a serious incident, and accused the President, who claims to act against corruption, of creating an environment conducive to such fraud.

He stated that the position of Treasury Secretary is among the most critical in the country. He criticised the appointment of Harsha Suryapperuma, a National List MP from the National People’s Power, as Treasury Secretary, calling it a serious mistake.

He said that after the retirement of former Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana, the President should have appointed the next senior official in line, but instead appointed a political associate.

Gunaratne further noted that Suryapperuma had lived in Australia and worked in the private sector, and that the Finance Ministry has acknowledged the fraud was carried out by an Australian individual.

He accused the government of lacking transparency and suppressing the issue even after three months. He said they had requested the Speaker in writing to initiate a parliamentary-level investigation, but the request was ignored.

He said the truth was revealed to the public only due to government negligence.

Gunaratne reiterated that the President must step down as Finance Minister and the Treasury Secretary must resign to ensure confidence in an independent inquiry.