The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member.

¶ 02 We regret how the Opposition seeks political advantage by distorting facts—even to the extent of exploiting a death. Let me be clear: this Government has no intention to hide the loss of USD 2.5 million. The question is whether it was negligence or a fraudulent act, and who did it. That is precisely what we are investigating.

¶ 03 Timeline: The anomaly was detected on 22 March. Within two days—on 24 March—a written complaint was lodged. An internal audit started immediately; the Central Bank’s Financial Intelligence Unit and SLCERT were notified. The Police, under Minister Ananda Wijepala, appointed a special expert panel, with the University of Colombo and SLCERT participating, given the complexity of the cybercrime. We recorded statements from 20 officers and reported to court via a “B” Report on 28 April. We are working with Australia’s Federal Police under an MoU, and certain aspects involve assistance from the FBI. On 17 April, based on internal findings, four officers were interdicted. Note: the Opposition began its outcry on 18 April—after we had already initiated action from 22 March.

¶ 04 Contrast this with prior large losses: the 2016–17 imported dairy cattle issue tied to a former President’s spouse—estimated loss USD 10.68 million; Greek Bonds case against Ajith Nivard Cabraal—loss USD 12.6 million; payments of around USD 6 billion routed via an associate to the CIA claimed under his tenure; the Hambantota Hospital procurement fraud—USD 1.4 million—from 2012. Who is investigating these now? We are. Who filed cases on Greek Bonds? We did. Those who then hid under beds now shout about USD 2.5 million.

¶ 05 Our record: prompt discovery, complaint, interdictions, multi-agency and international cooperation—moving fast to identify culprits and prosecute. We will bring offenders to justice under our watch.

¶ 06 Thank you.