Government pushes back against mounting criticism, insisting the Treasury incident is being investigated transparently and warning against politically motivated comparisons to past financial scandals.
Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe has strongly rejected attempts by opposition figures to draw parallels between the recent Treasury incident and the infamous Central Bank bond scam, stressing that the two situations are fundamentally different in nature and scale. He cautioned that equating the two for political advantage risks misleading the public and distorting the facts surrounding the ongoing investigation.
Addressing the controversy, the Minister stated that the current administration inherited a financially weakened Treasury but has since restored it to a position of strength. He highlighted that the reported incident has occurred at a time when the Treasury is operating with improved financial stability, countering narratives that suggest systemic collapse or large scale mismanagement.
He acknowledged that incidents involving cyber security breaches or financial irregularities can occur even within well managed systems, noting that similar cases have been reported globally. However, he emphasized that the key issue lies in how authorities respond, investigate, and enforce accountability, rather than rushing to draw comparisons with unrelated financial scandals.
The Minister confirmed that formal investigations into the Treasury cyber incident and alleged financial irregularities have already begun. Relevant authorities are currently examining the circumstances surrounding the event, including potential vulnerabilities within financial systems and any involvement of individuals or networks. He assured that once the investigation reports are finalized, strict legal action will be taken against those found responsible.
He further underscored that the government has no intention of protecting or shielding any individuals implicated in the case. Regardless of rank or position, anyone found guilty will face the full force of the law. This, he said, reflects the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance in handling public funds.
Responding directly to comparisons with the Central Bank bond scam, the Minister reiterated that the two incidents differ significantly in their structure, intent, and impact. While the bond scam involved complex financial manipulation and systemic abuse of market mechanisms, the current issue appears to be linked to a cyber related breach or isolated irregularity. He argued that conflating the two undermines the seriousness of both cases and serves narrow political interests rather than the national good.
He concluded by urging all stakeholders, including political parties and the public, to allow the investigative process to proceed without interference or premature judgment. The focus, he said, must remain on uncovering the truth, strengthening financial security systems, and ensuring that public trust in Sri Lanka’s economic institutions is upheld.
As the investigation continues, the Treasury incident remains under intense scrutiny, with broader implications for cyber security, financial governance, and political accountability in Sri Lanka.
