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Cyber heist at External Resources Dept: Funds diverted in email hack, CID probe underway

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Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando

A suspected cyber fraud targeting Sri Lanka’s Department of External Resources has triggered a high-level investigation after hackers allegedly manipulated official email communications to divert funds to unauthorised overseas accounts, Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando said.

The sophisticated breach is believed to have involved the interception and alteration of email exchanges between the Department and Export Finance Australia, raising serious concerns over vulnerabilities in the Government’s digital financial communication systems.

According to the Deputy Minister, the fraud came to light following suspicious changes detected in bank account details linked to a payment transaction involving India. This anomaly prompted officials to scrutinise prior correspondence, eventually uncovering what appears to be a coordinated cyber intrusion designed to reroute funds.

“This was not a routine technical glitch. There is clear indication of external interference where communication trails have been tampered with,” Jayantha said, noting that complaints had already been lodged with law enforcement authorities.

“Investigations are now being handled by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which is probing the extent of the breach, the financial losses incurred, and the possible involvement of international cybercrime networks”.

Financial analysts warn that the incident underscores growing risks faced by state institutions engaged in cross-border financing arrangements, particularly when relying heavily on unsecured or inadequately protected communication channels.

The Department of External Resources plays a pivotal role in managing Sri Lanka’s foreign-funded projects and liaising with international lenders and export credit agencies. Any compromise in its communication systems could have far-reaching implications for investor confidence and the country’s financial credibility.

Authorities are expected to review existing cybersecurity protocols across key financial institutions in the wake of the breach, with calls mounting for tighter safeguards, encrypted communications, and multi-layer verification systems for fund transfers.

Meanwhile, officials remained tight-lipped on the exact quantum of funds involved, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. However, sources indicated that the attempted diversion was significant enough to raise alarm at the highest levels of the Finance Ministry.

The incident adds to a growing list of cyber-related financial threats confronting governments worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for robust digital governance frameworks as Sri Lanka continues to engage with international financial partners.

By Ifham Nizam



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SLT-MOBITEL driving Sri Lanka’s economic resilience through digital infrastructure

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SLT-MOBITEL marks its triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026

Corporate accolades underscore the alignment between its operational excellence and national development

In an era where national competitiveness is intrinsically tied to digital connectivity, strengthening the country’s digital backbone has become an urgent priority. Within this context, the evolving role of Sri Lanka’s leading telecommunications provider, SLT-MOBITEL, offers valuable insight into how technological infrastructure can underpin broader economic resilience.

Telecommunications and digital networks are foundational to economic transformation. By expanding high-speed broadband access, upgrading enterprise cloud capabilities, and bridging the urban-rural connectivity divide, SLT-MOBITEL helps reduce business transaction costs, streamline supply chains, and enable micro, small, and medium enterprises to reach global markets.

Recent corporate accolades further underscore this alignment between operational excellence and national development. SLT-MOBITEL’s triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026 – winning in the Infrastructure and Utilities sector, Performance Management, and ICT Services categories – highlights its growing impact. Notably, the recognition of eChannelling’s contributions to digital healthcare reflects a broader strategic pivot toward integrated technology solutions.

“Institutional efficiency of this nature is critical for attracting foreign direct investment, as global partners increasingly assess a country’s digital maturity and systemic stability before committing capital,” noted industry observers.

Moreover, the company’s transition from a conventional telecom utility to a comprehensive digital solutions provider aligns seamlessly with Sri Lanka’s national digitalisation agenda. As the country pursues public sector modernisation, enhanced e-governance, and a competitive knowledge economy, the private sector must step up to deliver secure, scalable, and future-ready networks. Investments in data centres, cybersecurity frameworks, and advanced ICT infrastructure act as strategic buffers, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s economic apparatus remains agile and resilient amid future global uncertainties.

However, industry experts caution that while these achievements are commendable, SLT-MOBITEL still has a considerable distance to cover in fully enabling a truly digital economy.

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Port City Colombo strengthens Gulf investment ties at Dubai diplomatic engagement

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The panel discussion at the engagement

Port City Colombo (PCC) took a prominent role as Platinum Sponsor at the second edition of Sri Lanka Beyond Your Dreams, a high-level diplomatic and investment engagement hosted by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The event, held on 2nd September 2026 at the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, brought together over 400 senior UAE-based business leaders, investors, diplomats, and institutional stakeholders, alongside Sri Lanka’s most senior government representatives.

The gathering was graced by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, as Guest of Honour, and Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. A high-level Sri Lankan delegation – including the Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Board of Investment, the Chairman of the Export Development Board, and the Director General of Commerce – underscored the government’s strong commitment to deepening economic diplomacy with the UAE.

In his keynote address, Minister Herath reaffirmed the centuries-old ties between Sri Lanka and the Arab region, emphasising the UAE’s vital role as a key economic partner. He stressed the urgency of finalising a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE, which would establish a robust framework to elevate trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation. Declaring Sri Lanka “open and ready for business,” he positioned Port City Colombo as the physical embodiment of this economic mission – a modern Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with a dedicated legal framework and competitive incentives, offering UAE investors a natural gateway to South Asia while maintaining strong Gulf connectivity.

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American Premium Water strikes Gold at Dragons of Sri Lanka 2026

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The achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories.

American Premium Water has secured four wins at Dragons of Sri Lanka Awards 2026, including three Gold Dragons and one Black Dragon, marking a significant milestone for the brand following its relaunch last year.

Part of the prestigious Dragons of Asia awards, Dragons of Sri Lanka brings the program’s regional platform to the local market, celebrating creative and effective marketing communications, with entries evaluated on strategic thinking, creativity, execution and impact. Established in 2000, Dragons of Asia is one of Asia’s premier results-driven marketing awards programs.

For American Premium Water, the achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories. In the distinction of Gold Dragons, American Premium Water was recognized across three categories including Product Launch or Re Launch, Cause, Environment or Sustainability and Creative Excellence while the Black Dragon was awarded in recognition of Small Budget.

Competing alongside leading brands and agencies in Sri Lanka, American Premium Water’s four wins demonstrate the strength and effectiveness of its recent work. Winning three Gold Dragons across three distinct categories highlights the breadth of the brand’s achievements, while the Black Dragon for Small Budget further emphasizes its ability to create meaningful impact through focused and efficient investment.

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