The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has found itself under intense scrutiny following the public circulation of bills related to the purchase of two iPhones, raising questions about transparency, data security, and potential misuse of public funds.
Addressing the controversy, Dr. Mayura Netthikumarage, Managing Director of CPC, confirmed that the institution has launched an internal investigation to determine how confidential billing documents related to the iPhone purchases were leaked.
“What’s concerning here is not just the phones,” he said. “It’s the exposure of sensitive corporate records to the public domain. This breach could pave the way for even more damaging leaks.”
The CPC fears that similar unauthorized disclosures could compromise the integrity of internal operations, prompting the institution to fast-track a digital transformation initiative. Dr. Netthikumarage announced that digitization efforts will begin next week, aimed at enhancing internal security, preventing data leaks, and ensuring better control over institutional processes.
He clarified that the iPhones were not acquired for personal use, but were procured under the corporation’s approved procurement procedures as part of the upcoming digitization program.
“These devices were purchased with proper approval from all relevant authorities and will be used strictly for official purposes. There was no misuse or luxury spending involved,” he stressed.
Dr. Netthikumarage further criticized the public dissemination of internal documents, saying it undermines not just CPC’s credibility but also threatens the confidentiality of its operational data. He reiterated the need to strengthen technological infrastructure to guard against future breaches.
The leak has ignited a broader conversation about transparency in state-owned enterprises, with critics demanding clearer communication on public spending even for minor acquisitions. However, CPC insists that the focus should be on preventing information leaks and completing the digitization drive, which it believes is essential for modernizing its operations.
As investigations continue, CPC’s leadership remains firm that the controversy is less about iPhones and more about safeguarding institutional integrity in a digital era.
