(AFP) Cybercriminals hacked into the Sri Lankan Finance Ministry’s computer system and siphoned off US$2.5 million (S$3.2 million), the government said on April 23, the most amount of cash ever stolen by hackers from a state institution in the debt-saddled country.

The cyberattack is a major blow to Sri Lanka, which is recovering from a crippling economic crisis in 2022 after Colombo defaulted on its US$46 billion external debt.

The money was destined as debt repayment to Australia, Finance Ministry Secretary Harshana Suriyapperuma told reporters in the capital.

Four senior officers at the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) were suspended after the breach, he said.

The authorities were alerted to an attempt to break into the ministry’s e-mail server, and investigations showed

that a US$2.5 million payment owed to Australia had disappeared.

“Criminal investigators are looking into this and we are not in a position to give

further details,” Dr Suriyapperuma said, adding that the Sri Lankan authorities were seeking help from foreign law enforcement agencies.

Sri Lanka established the PDMO earlier this year in line with an International Monetary Fund-backed US$2.9 billion bailout loan from early 2023, following the island’s economic meltdown.

Australia’s High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Matthew Duckworth, said Canberra was aware of “irregularities” in payments owed to it.

“Sri Lankan authorities are investigating the matter and are coordinating with Australian officials, who are assisting the investigation,” Duckworth said on social media platform X.

“Australia remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s return to debt sustainability.”

The attack came as Sri Lanka’s central bank and Finance Ministry launched an advertising blitz in local newspapers earlier in 2026, warning Sri Lankans not to fall prey to cyberscams.

Cenmetrix recently achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification, the world’s most widely recognised standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS). This significant milestone reflects the company’s strong commitment to quality assurance, continuous improvement, and operational excellence across its technology solutions and services.

Following the successful completion of all certification requirements and full conformity with ISO 9001:2015 standards, the official certificate was formally awarded to Cenmetrix in February 2026, marking an important step in the company’s long-term quality and governance strategy.

The company’s ISO journey began with a strategic decision to engage expert guidance to strengthen and transform its internal processes. Win Win Consultants (Pvt) Ltd was appointed to introduce ISO best practices, define organisational quality objectives, and support process improvements, while TQCS International (Group) Pty Ltd was selected as the certification body to facilitate a structured and comprehensive certification process.

Under the leadership of the ISO implementation team, headed by Dewmi Gamage and Mr Deshika Kushan, Cenmetrix established key QMS foundations, including clearly defined organisational structures, process maps, workflow documentation, standard operating procedures, and performance monitoring mechanisms.

“Achieving ISO 9001:2015 certification is a significant milestone that strengthens the trust our clients place in us,” said Dewmi Gamage, Assistant Accountant at Cenmetrix.

MMBL–Pathfinder Group Recognizes Long Service MMBL–Pathfinder Group felicitated employees who have completed 15 and 25 years of dedicated service, at an awards ceremony held at its Riverpoint headquarters.

 The event recognized the longstanding commitment and contribution of team members whose service has played an important role in the Group’s growth and continuity. Sumudu Ruwan (Assistant Accountant, 25 years), Janaka Dassanayake (Technician, 25 years), Bernard Goonetilleke (Chairman, Pathfinder Foundation, 15 years), and Ravi Jayawikcrama Arachchige (Media Executive, -15 Years) were awarded by the management.

 Awards were presented by Founder Milinda Moragoda and Jennifer Moragoda. Group Director/Chief Executive Officer K. Balasundaram and Renuka Deraniyagala were also present. In acknowledging the awardees, the Group commended their professionalism, loyalty, and sustained contribution over the years.