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Mass adoption of National Fuel Pass is testament to Sri Lanka’s digital maturity – FITIS

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With great crises comes even greater opportunity for growth, as witnessed in Sri Lanka over the last two months alone. As the country cautiously emerges from the crippling fuel crisis of July, many attribute the quick adoption of the National Fuel Pass QR code system for easing the situation. In a landmark move towards increased digital maturity by the Ministry of Power and Energy -under the leadership of Minister, Kanchana Wijesekera-, on August 1, 2022 Sri Lanka officially commenced the total implementation of the QR code system for fuel rationing for all motorists; simultaneously negating other ineffective manual systems which attempted to overcome the critical challenge previously.

As of September 19, a total of 6,272,385 consumers across the country had registered to receive fuel in this way, with 34,444,886 transactions made island-wide during the seven week period since inception – testament to not just the capacity to problem-solve, but also the practicality, efficiency, and convenience technological platforms can bring.Credit is also due to MillenniumIT ESP, a member of the Digital Services chapter of FITIS, for the successful implementation of the National fuel pass in partnership with Dialog who is a member of the Communication chapter of FITIS, a news release issued on the QR code system said.

‘’Of the nine million smart phone users in Sri Lanka – of which 7.9 million are on social media, six million consumers to date have signed up for the QR code fuel pass system. The success of the system has been reflected in the easing of fuel queues and an increase in accountability at stations, but is also vindication for those calling for increased national tech literacy in a fast-evolving global digital landscape,’’ the release said.

“While QR codes have been put to use previously (in national efforts to contact trace during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and LankaQR, for instance), this has been its most successful implementation since.”

It explained that when compared to other Asia Pacific emerging markets, Sri Lanka has proven to exhibit strength in connectivity, digital marketing, investment in digital initiatives, as well as the ability to adopt quickly. Market digital transformation in Sri Lanka has been recorded at 36% of the country’s total population, in comparison to India and Bangladesh which has been recorded at around 29% and 28% respectively.

‘’In fact, according to a 2018 McKinsey report titled “Unlocking Sri Lanka’s Digital Capacity,” in an analysis of about 50 Sri Lankan companies across multiple industries, it was found that the country’s overall Digital Quotient score of 35 places it slightly higher than the global median of 33. However, Sri Lanka still lags behind when placed individually against more developed countries, though holding the potential to come up to par with its global counterparts,’’ the release said.

It added that another indication is the country’s quick adoption and move towards cashless, online payment platforms over the past few years. For example, solely through the JustPay (by LankaPay – a member of the Digital Services Chapter of FITIS) payment platform, and in the last 12 months alone, an approximate 13 million transactions have been recorded, together carrying a hefty value totalling LKR 55 billion.

“Other locally implemented digital payment platforms such as WEBXPAY, Orel Pay, PayHere, HelaPay, FriMi, IPay and PayMaster, all members of the Digital Services Chapter of FITIS, have facilitated considerable ease, flexibility, and acceleration in transactions to the country’s citizens by positively transforming the way in which we make and receive payments. Additionally, the endorsement of ride-hailing and grocery-buying apps such as Pickme also attest to the country’s digital readiness,’’ the release said.

“There are various other tech platforms built locally that could make us more efficient and save us time to best use them on most productive activities that could directly contribute towards building a better country for our future generation,” said the Vice president Mr. Omar Sahib Digital Services of FITIS.

The proven capacity of Sri Lanka’s citizens to move forward digitally should form the basis of incentive towards greater digital priorities. However, it is not enough that we merely create platforms that promote digital citizenry. National efforts should also synchronously be taken to explore new approaches and solutions, lay down enabling protective frameworks, and also provide incentives to encourage digital prioritisation across both private and government sectors, the release said.

The Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS) was set up in 1996 with purpose of giving a much-needed focal point for ICT industry in Sri Lanka. Today, FITIS is the apex body of ICT industry in the country covering all major industry segments as Hardware Chapter, Software Chapter, Education Training Chapter, Communication Chapter, Digital Service Chapter, Professional Chapter, Office Automation Chapter and Professional Consultants Chapter.



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Stealer malware leaked over 2 million bank cards

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The number of infections with data-stealing malware, 2020-2024 (Source: Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence)

Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence estimates that 2.3 million bank cards were leaked on the dark web, based on an analysis of data-stealing malware log files from 2023-2024. On average, every 14th infostealer infection results in stolen credit card information, with nearly 26 million devices compromised by infostealers, including more than 9 million in 2024 alone. Kaspersky released its report on the infostealer threat landscape while the technology world gathers at MWC 2025 in Barcelona.

Kaspersky experts estimate that approximately 2,300,000 bank cards have been leaked on the dark web. This conclusion is based on an analysis of the log files from data-stealing malware, dated 2023-2024, that were leaked on the dark web market. While globally the share of leaked cards is well below one percent, 95% of the observed numbers appear technically valid.

Infostealer malware is not only designed to extract financial information, but also credentials, cookies and other valuable user data, which is compiled into log files and then distributed within the dark web underground community. An infostealer can infect a device if a victim unknowingly downloads and runs a malicious file, for example one disguised as legitimate software, such as a game cheat. It can be spread through phishing links, compromised websites, malicious attachments in emails or messengers and various other methods. It targets both personal and corporate devices.

On average, every 14th infostealer infection results in stolen credit card information. Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence experts found that nearly 26 million devices running Windows were infected with various types of infostealers in the past two years.

“The actual number of infected devices is even higher. Cybercriminals often leak stolen data in the form of log files months or even years after the initial infection, and compromised credentials and other information continue to surface on the dark web over time. Therefore, the more time passes, the more infections from previous years we observe. We forecast the total number of devices infected with infostealer malware in 2024 to be between 20 million and 25 million, while for 2023, the estimate ranges between 18 million and 22 million,” says Sergey Shcherbel, expert at Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence.

In 2024, Redline remained the most widespread infostealer, accounting for 34% of the total number of infections.

The most significant surge in 2024 was in infections caused by Risepro, whose share of total infections increased from 1.4% in 2023 to almost 23% in 2024. “RisePro is a growing threat. It was first discovered two years ago but seems to be gaining momentum. The stealer primarily targets banking card details, passwords and cryptocurrency wallet data, and may be spreading under the guise of key generators, cracks for various software and game mods,” explains Sergey Shcherbel. Another rapidly growing stealer is Stealc, which first appeared in 2023 and increased its share from nearly 3% to 13%.

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ComBank’s 2023 Annual Report tops Banking sector at ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards

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Commercial Bank Chief Operating Officer S. Prabagar and members of the senior management accepting one of the ACCA awards.

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon’s prowess in comprehensive disclosure of sustainability-related information to stakeholders has won its 2023 Annual Report two top awards at the 2025 Sustainability Reporting Awards presented by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

The Bank was adjudged the overall runner-up and the winner in the Banking category at these awards, repeating the achievement of its 2022 Annual Report which was similarly honoured by the ACCA last year.

The ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards recognise Annual Reports that clearly acknowledge and explain the economic, environmental and social impacts of the business to internal and external stakeholders, demonstrating the organisation’s policies, targets and long-term objectives towards the goal of sustainable development.

Commercial Bank’s 2023 Annual Report also won two Golds, a Silver and a Bronze at CA Sri Lanka’s ‘TAGS’ Awards 2024, excelling in the key aspects recognised by the awards programme which is dedicated to Transparency, Accountability, Governance, and Sustainability – TAGS.

The Bank won the Gold for ‘Corporate Governance Disclosure’ in the Financial Services sector, the Gold for the Best Annual Report among the private sector banks, the Silver for ‘Digitally Transformative Reporting’ across all sectors, and the overall Bronze award for Excellence in Corporate Reporting.

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UTE Delivers Sri Lanka’s Largest Cat D8 Tractor to NEM Construction

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(From left to right) Deepthi Hewageegana (CEO - UTE), Mani Rajan (Director Distribution - India), Joe Moscato (Vice President - Distribution - Japan & Asia South (India & SE Asia) Caterpillar Inc), Raja Nanayakkara (Chairman / MD - NEM Construction), Prasan Fernando (Chairman - UTE), Priath Fernando - (Director - UTE), Duminda Perera (Senior General Manager - Operations)

Caterpillar equipment dealer UTE has delivered the country’s largest Cat D8 Track-Type Tractor to NEM Construction Pvt. Ltd., marking a significant milestone in heavy machinery. This delivery strengthens the long-standing partnership between UTE and NEM Construction, which spans over 45 years. The Cat D8 is expected to boost operational efficiency in large-scale projects. As the sole authorized dealer for Caterpillar in Sri Lanka, UTE continues to provide top-tier machinery and after-sales support. The handover is particularly notable as Caterpillar celebrates its 100th anniversary. NEM Construction’s Chairman, Raja Nanayakkara, praised the Cat D8’s superior performance and UTE’s unmatched service and parts support, which have been key to the company’s long-term collaboration. This purchase highlights the continued trust in both Caterpillar and UTE’s expertise in supporting Sri Lanka’s construction industry.

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