News
HSBC warns of crypto currency racketeers in Sri Lanka
The HSBC Bank in Sri Lanka has warned constituents to beware of scammers actively promoting unauthorized crypto currency investment schemes through compromised or hacked social media profiles. In some cases, there have been false notifications appearing to be from HSBC, referring to a crypto investment credit, he bank said.
“We wish to clarify that HSBC does not support or endorse such transactions in compliance with the restrictions imposed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka on crypto investments.
“Please be advised that scammers often pose as legitimate individuals or organizations, using compromised profiles to lure unsuspecting victims into fraudulent crypto schemes. Moreover, they use notifications appearing to be from global brands such as HSBC, to mislead the general public, and promote products with malicious intent via unauthorized sources.
“We urge all our customers to remain vigilant and exercise caution regarding any suspicious social media posts and communications claiming to be from HSBC.”
The bank offered some tips to customers to protect themselves against such deceptive messages.
Always verify the identity of individuals and organizations promoting investment opportunities, and authenticate any communication claiming to be from HSBC. Check for official websites and contact information to confirm if they are legitimate, and look for consistent, genuine branding.
Exercise caution on investment offers that promise unusually high returns or guaranteed profits. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Avoid sharing sensitive information such as account details, passwords, or One Time Passwords (OTPs) in response to either unsolicited messages, or on social media posts. Avoid clicking on any links provided if they are unexpected or seem suspicious.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued to the Districts of Kaluthara, Rathnapura, Galle and Matara
Advisory for Severe Lightning
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
at 12.30 p.m. 13 December 2025 valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 13 December 2025 for Kaluthara, Rathnapura, Galle and Matara Districts
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur at some places in the Kaluthara, Rathnapura, Galle and Matara Districts.
There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
Based on the prevailing disaster situation and the upcoming festive season, arrangements have been made to provide a nutrition allowance worth Rs. 5,000 to pregnant mothers.
This allowance, which will be provided only once, will be given to pregnant mothers who were registered at maternal clinics on or before 30 November 2025.
The distribution will take place through the Divisional Secretariat offices from 16 December, as a program of the National Secretariat for Early Childhood Development, which is affiliated with the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs.
The Situation Report released by the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) at 6:00 AM today (13th December 2025) confirms that 640 persons have died and another 211 persons are missing due to flooding and landslides that took place in Sri Lanka within the past two weeks.
Sethmika stars as Sri Lanka under 19s crush Nepal by 8 wickets
Advisory for severe lightning issued to the Districts of Kaluthara, Rathnapura, Galle and Matara
Pregnant Mothers to receive Rs 5000 Nutrition Allowance in December
640 deaths, 211 missing as at 6:00AM today (13)
New Digitalization Policy draft reviewed
The government is taking steps to streamline trade facilitation, customs processes, investment approvals, and improving export facilities – Prime Minister
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
Features3 days agoFinally, Mahinda Yapa sets the record straight
-
News5 days agoOver 35,000 drug offenders nabbed in 36 days
-
News4 days agoCyclone Ditwah leaves Sri Lanka’s biodiversity in ruins: Top scientist warns of unseen ecological disaster
-
Features6 days agoThe Catastrophic Impact of Tropical Cyclone Ditwah on Sri Lanka:
-
News5 days agoRising water level in Malwathu Oya triggers alert in Thanthirimale
-
Features3 days agoHandunnetti and Colonial Shackles of English in Sri Lanka
-
Business2 days agoCabinet approves establishment of two 50 MW wind power stations in Mullikulum, Mannar region
-
Business5 days agoSri Lanka betting its tourism future on cold, hard numbers