Five days after a controversial Treasury cyber incident, legal experts are demanding answers from the highest office, raising serious concerns over transparency, accountability, and national security in Sri Lanka’s financial system.
The Free Lawyers Organization has revealed that five days have now passed since the alleged cyber attack linked to a $2.5 million Treasury transaction, yet no comprehensive facts have been formally presented before a Magistrate’s Court. The delay, they argue, raises troubling questions about the handling of what is being described as a major financial crime in Sri Lanka involving public funds and Treasury accountability.
The organization further pointed out that investigators have still not recorded statements from officials who were reportedly suspended in connection with the incident. This omission has intensified concerns about whether due legal process and proper investigative procedures are being followed in what could potentially be a high profile Treasury fraud or cyber crime case.
Against this backdrop, the group emphasized that both the President and the Cabinet must provide clear, transparent, and immediate responses. As a result, a detailed list of 22 questions has been formally submitted to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Cabinet. The questionnaire was compiled and submitted by President’s Counsel Maithree Gunaratne and Attorney at Law Athula de Silva, placing the government under direct legal and public scrutiny.
The 22 Questions:
- Mr. President of the Republic, do you acknowledge that $2.5 million from the Treasury has been misappropriated or stolen?
- As President, were you informed of the date on which this incident occurred?
- Did you know, as President and Minister of Finance, that a cyber attack had been launched on the data system of the Ministry of Finance on or around September 6, 2025?
- Were you and the Deputy Minister of Finance informed by the Treasury Secretary that such an attack had occurred?
- If you were informed, what actions did you and the Deputy Minister of Finance take regarding the matter?
- As the Minister responsible for Digital Affairs, Finance, Planning, and National Security, do you acknowledge responsibility for the Treasury heist?
- If so, do you acknowledge that four sectors falling under the purview of national security have now collapsed, placing national security at risk?
- Do you acknowledge that you appointed the Treasury Secretary?
- Do you acknowledge that the Finance Secretary is a former Member of Parliament of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna or Malima government?
- Do you acknowledge that he has no prior experience in Treasury, finance, or planning?
- Are you aware that he is currently altering appointments and records related to the primary investigation, thereby destroying evidence of this alleged Treasury heist?
- Do you acknowledge that this incident occurred after the appointment of the Finance Secretary, and that the Secretary has since failed to follow basic administrative procedures required in a financial crime investigation?
- Do you know the date of this incident and the individuals from the Treasury who were involved?
- When were you informed by the Treasury Secretary you appointed regarding this matter?
- If you were aware of this before the Free Lawyers Organization informed the Speaker, why did you not inform Parliament or the public as required by Article 148 of the Constitution of Sri Lanka?
- Do you acknowledge that concealing such facts from Parliament is improper, especially when you regularly attend parliamentary sessions?
- Did the Treasury Secretary you appointed lodge a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department or the police before April 21, 2026, prior to this matter becoming public?
- When and by whom was this computer crime reported to the relevant cyber crime investigation authorities?
- If not, do you acknowledge that such failure constitutes a serious offense under Sri Lanka law?
- Do you still have confidence in the Finance Secretary, given the allegations of irregularities, negligence, and administrative failures?
- As President and Minister of Finance, do you believe that a fair and independent investigation can be conducted while the current Secretary remains in office?
- Will you take immediate steps to remove Harshana Suriyapperuma from the post of Secretary to the Ministry of Finance in order to ensure an impartial investigation?
As pressure mounts, this growing controversy surrounding the Sri Lanka Treasury cyber attack and alleged financial mismanagement is evolving into a broader debate about governance, institutional integrity, and constitutional responsibility. With public trust at stake and calls for accountability intensifying, the coming days are likely to determine whether the government can convincingly respond to these serious allegations or face deeper political and legal consequences.
