Israel worker remittances worth US$6.9 million remain frozen as Sri Lanka rejects cyberattack claims and seeks a solution through diplomatic channels.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Aruna Hemachandra told Parliament that Opposition claims of a cyberattack affecting Israel worker remittances sent to Sri Lanka were completely baseless. He urged the Opposition to refrain from spreading what he described as false propaganda about the workers’ funds.
Explaining the situation further, the Deputy Minister said the remittance process is conducted through a programme jointly operated by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the international institution “Global Remit.” He said the present disruption stems from an investigation currently being conducted by the Israeli government into the Global Remit company.
Nearly 5,100 Sri Lankan workers have experienced difficulties receiving their money as a result of the investigation. The problem is not limited to Sri Lanka, with approximately 11,400 people in total, including other foreign workers employed there, also affected.
Approximately US$ 6.9 million has been temporarily frozen, while Global Remit has presented its case before an Israeli court regarding the matter.
However, the company has accepted responsibility for paying the relevant funds, and the government expects a permanent solution to be reached very soon.
The Deputy Minister also urged all media institutions to ensure that only accurate information is communicated to the public. He said the government is already taking the necessary steps through diplomatic and institutional channels to intervene in the matter and support those affected.
