May 26, Colombo (LNW): Australian law enforcement authorities are continuing to assist Sri Lankan investigators examining a major cybercrime incident that resulted in the loss of approximately US$2.5 million intended for debt repayments to the Australian Government, a report by Daily Mirror disclosed.
The funds are believed to have been diverted after cyber criminals allegedly infiltrated the computer network of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Finance in what officials describe as a highly sophisticated digital breach. The incident has raised serious concerns over cybersecurity protections within key state institutions.
Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Matthew Duckworth told the news agency that the Australian Federal Police (AFP) remains actively involved in supporting the ongoing inquiry alongside local law enforcement agencies.
He stated that AFP officers attached to the Australian High Commission in Colombo are working closely with Sri Lanka Police under existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms related to transnational crime and cyber investigations.
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether any suspects have been identified, but investigators are reportedly tracing digital transactions and overseas connections linked to the fraudulent transfer. Cybersecurity experts are also said to be reviewing vulnerabilities within the affected government systems to prevent similar incidents in future.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the scale of the financial loss and the sensitive nature of the funds involved, in a heavy blow-in-the-head against the current NPP administration, particularly at a time when Sri Lanka continues efforts to stabilise its economy and maintain international financial commitments.