Sri Lanka Probes Fraud With Australian Cooperation: Australian High Commissioner

24-Apr-2026

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Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Matthew Duckworth, said Sri Lankan authorities are conducting investigations into the fraud involving payments due to the Australian government, in coordination with Australian authorities and with their cooperation.

Treasury Secretary Harshana Suryapperuma stated that the USD 2.5 million sovereign debt repayment to Australian lenders had been fraudulently diverted by third parties through manipulation of Treasury email infrastructure and cyber intrusion, and that a complaint has been filed to initiate external investigations.

In an official post on his X account, High Commissioner Duckworth said both the Australian High Commission and Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Finance are closely monitoring the fraud related to payments due to Australia.

He added that Sri Lankan authorities are working with Australian officials and advancing investigations with their support.

He further assured that Australia will continue to provide full cooperation necessary to help restore Sri Lanka’s debt stability.