The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs
The Minister answered a question on financial cybercrime, stating that police statistics up to 30 April 2026 show significant growth in such offences, with detailed figures to be made available. He said investigation timelines depend on the nature of complaints and the time needed to obtain technical data, and noted that CID Computer Crime Investigation Sub-Units operate in seven provinces, with Uva and Sabaragamuwa planned. He outlined current and planned measures, including use of technical tools, a study on AI adoption, public awareness on online scams, the Cyber Security Strategy 2026–2029, updated security standards, and training for judiciary and police officers on digital forensics and electronic evidence.
Verbatim record (translated)
Machine-translated from Sinhala / Tamil / English¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, the answer is as follows:
¶ 02 (a) (i) Statistics up to 30.04.2026 indicate significant growth in financial cybercrime across provinces and years, with cumulative figures for cases pending in court, under investigation, under legal action, and resolved. (Details have been compiled by the Police and will be made available.) (ii) Timeframes vary depending on the nature of each complaint and the time taken to obtain technical data. (iii) Computer Crime Investigation Sub-Units under the CID have been established covering Western, Central, Southern, Eastern, North Western, North Central and Northern Provinces. Establishment in Uva and Sabaragamuwa Provinces is planned. (iv) The Sri Lanka Police use advanced technologies and technical tools in investigations, and a full study is underway on the adoption of AI in investigations. Adoption of AI is planned in the future. (v) Measures include: - Public awareness programmes (nationwide) on phishing links, OTP scams and investment frauds; - Policies and guidelines: National Cyber Security Policy, Cyber Security Strategy (2026–2029), and formulation/updating of baseline security standards; - Capacity-building: training for judiciary officers and Police on Digital Forensics and handling/analysis of electronic evidence.
¶ 03 (b) Does not arise.
Provenance
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- Hansard, Thursday, 21 May 2026 ·No. 23621 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
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Cite as: The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs. 10th Parliament, Parliament of Sri Lanka. Hansard, 21 May 2026. No. 23621. Politick, https://staging.politick.io/lk/speeches/7287