A shocking call for immediate arrests over a $2.5 million Treasury scandal has ignited national outrage, with claims of high-level cover-ups, failed investigations, and a deepening crisis of accountability in Sri Lanka’s financial governance.
President’s Counsel Maithree Gunaratne has called for the immediate arrest and production before court of the current Secretary to the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, Harshana Suriyapperuma, in connection with alleged financial irregularities involving the Treasury. He stressed that any credible investigation into the suspected financial fraud must begin only after formally identifying the Secretary as the primary suspect in the case.
Gunaratne asserted that it is practically impossible for a sum as large as $2.5 million to be transferred out of the Treasury without the knowledge or approval of the Treasury Secretary or other senior officials. Drawing a comparison to routine administrative procedures, he noted that even a payment of Rs. 25,000 cannot be processed within a government institution or court without proper authorization, making such a large-scale transaction highly questionable without top-level clearance.
Dismissing claims that hackers were responsible for the alleged misappropriation, Gunaratne rejected the possibility of such cyber activity occurring locally. He argued that even if foreign hackers were involved, the chances of recovering the funds would be extremely slim, suggesting instead that the narrative of a hacking incident may be an attempt to divert attention from a deeper financial fraud within the system.
He further highlighted the disparity in how the law is applied, pointing out that ordinary citizens often spend days in remand custody over minor financial issues, including bail amounts as low as Rs. 2,000. In contrast, he described the lack of legal action against senior officials accused of misusing public funds as a serious injustice and a failure of the justice system.
Gunaratne also criticized the conduct of high-ranking public officials, stating that individuals who receive significantly higher salaries than average government employees are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity. Engaging in alleged corruption at that level, he said, amounts to a betrayal of public trust and national responsibility.
He went on to allege that key investigative bodies, including the Criminal Investigation Department, have been rendered ineffective in addressing the issue. According to him, there is a lack of political will, with both the government and the Speaker failing to exercise their authority to ensure accountability, particularly when individuals connected to the Cabinet are implicated.
In a strongly worded remark, Gunaratne claimed that if a similar incident involved a member of the opposition, the response would have been swift and uncompromising. He suggested that the current administration’s claims of transparency do not align with the reality of how the matter is being handled.
Expanding the scope of responsibility, he insisted that all officials who granted approval for the transaction, including the President if applicable, must be subject to arrest and investigation. He concluded by stating that he intends to request the recall of the case within two weeks, expressing dissatisfaction with the progress and direction of the ongoing inquiries into what is shaping up to be a major Sri Lanka Treasury financial scandal.
I agree entirely,. This matter should be investigated thoroughly. As it involved the credibility of the govt, and the security of the nation’s finances. An independent tribunal consisting of Supreme Court judges should be appointed immediately to investigate and recommend action. The then govt reacted swiftly by appointing a well chosen committee to inquire into the Bond scam. A similar body should be appointed forthwith. Any lack of willingness to do so would suggest the govt’s complicity in this criminal breach of trust..
Hugh Karunanayake