News

Surge in cybercrime shadows SL’s tech leap

Published

8 months ago

2025/07/28

As Sri Lanka advances its digital transformation agenda, the nation is confronting a rapidly escalating wave of cyber threats, said a release. The latest cybersecurity data from Kaspersky reveals a concerning surge in malware infections and phishing attacks, putting individuals, businesses, and public sector entities at significant risk.

Globally, Kaspersky blocked over 302 million malware attacks in 2024 alone, while unique malicious web objects detected rose to more than 72 million. Phishing attacks, which trick users into disclosing sensitive information, increased by 26% compared to the previous year. Alarmingly, phishing attacks exploiting financial services and cryptocurrency themes surged by 83.4%.

Sam Yan, Head of Sales for Asia Emerging Countries at Kaspersky, notes, “The trends we see globally are increasingly reflected in Sri Lanka’s digital environment. Phishing attacks have evolved beyond simple email scams to sophisticated social engineering tactics that prey on users’ trust and lack of cybersecurity awareness. Many Sri Lankan organisations and everyday users remain vulnerable due to limited security education and outdated defence systems.”

The surge in cybercrime comes as Sri Lanka embraces digital payments, e-commerce, and cryptocurrency investments. With mobile banking adoption growing rapidly, attackers now target smartphones with malware disguised as legitimate applications, such as fake VPNs or parcel tracking services.

According to Sam, “Sri Lanka’s expanding digital footprint is a double-edged sword. While digital services bring convenience, they also expose users to risks like credential theft and financial fraud. Cybercriminals adapt quickly, exploiting new vulnerabilities and trends such as remote work and digital wallets.”

Experts emphasise that mitigating these risks requires a multi-layered approach: implementing strong technical defenses such as endpoint protection and web filtering; fostering public cybersecurity awareness campaigns; and enforcing stricter regulations around data privacy and online transactions.

Sri Lankan businesses, especially SMEs, must prioritise cybersecurity as a core element of their operational strategy. Sam adds, “Investment in cybersecurity is no longer optional but a necessity. This includes adopting multi-factor authentication, conducting regular staff training, and collaborating with cybersecurity providers for threat intelligence.”

Public institutions also play a critical role. As digital government initiatives expand, safeguarding citizen data and online services from phishing and malware attacks is vital to maintaining public trust.

Kaspersky’s report highlights that financial phishing, particularly in the business-to-business (B2B) sector, is on the rise. Sri Lanka ranks among the countries with the highest number of phishing attacks aimed at B2B financial notifications, with 9,218 incidents detected in 2024.

To counteract this growing threat, Kaspersky recommends that businesses and financial institutions in Sri Lanka implement a series of proactive security measures: Deploy anti-phishing technologies to detect and block malicious communications in real-time. Invest in employee training to raise awareness about phishing tactics and how to spot suspicious activities. And implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of protection to sensitive financial transactions.

Sri Lanka’s position as a growing target for financial phishing attacks is not unique. According to Kaspersky’s global statistics, countries such as Belarus, Moldova, and the Philippines top the list for the highest percentage of users attacked by web-borne threats. However, Sri Lanka remains vulnerable, with a significant number of businesses still at risk of falling victim to these cybercrimes.

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Sun directly overhead Dodanduwa, Rathgama, Yakkalamulla, Akuressa, Mulgirigala, Ranna, Kalamatiya and Ussangoda at about 12:13 noon today (05th April)

Published

11 hours ago

2026/04/5

Priyan

On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka during 05th to 15th of April in this year.

The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (05th) are Dodanduwa, Rathgama, Yakkalamulla, Akuressa, Mulgirigala, Ranna, Kalamatiya and Ussangoda at about 12:13 noon

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

11 hours ago

2026/04/5

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 04 April 2026, valid for 05 April 2026

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

News

Global ‘Walk for Peace’ to be held in Lanka

Published

11 hours ago

2026/04/5

Thilina Walpola

The internationally recognized “Walk for Peace,” originating from the United States, is set to take place in Sri Lanka starting April 21, 2026, led by the Most Venerable Paññakara Thero and a delegation of twelve monks from the Maha Sangha, President’s Media Division said.

Spanning seven days across the island, this pilgrimage’s purpose and concept are guided by the Buddha’s teaching, “Caratha bhikkhave carikam bahujana hitaya bahujana sukhaya lokanukampaya” (Wander forth, O Monks, for the welfare and happiness of the many, out of compassion for the world).

This program aims to promote peace and lovingkindness within society. It serves as a practical demonstration that peace cannot be attained by force, but must be cultivated step-by-step through mindfulness.

The inaugural event of this program is scheduled to be held in Anuradhapura on April 21, 2026. A ceremony to receive the sacred sapling of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi will take place at 4:00 PM, followed by special religious observances at the sacred Ruwanweliseya premises at 5:00 PM.

Thereafter, the walk will commence from the ancient Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and proceed towards Kandy. Upon reaching Kandy, the Maha Sangha will pay their respects to the Chief Prelates (Maha Nayaka Theros) of the Malwatta and Asgiriya Chapters, before visiting the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) to receive blessings.

Throughout the journey, the procession will carry the sacred sapling of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, along with venerated relics from the historic Nilagiri Cetiya, Madanwala Raja Maha Viharaya in Hanguranketa, Mahiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya, and the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya.

The walk will conclude at Independence Square in Colombo on April 28, 2026. Subsequently, the venerated relics and the sacred sapling of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi are to be carried from Independence Square to Gangaramaya Temple, Hunupitiya, Colombo by a procession.

The Sri Lankan coordination of the event is spearheaded by Venerable Melpitiye Wimalakirti Thera. The Government of Sri Lanka’s flagship national program, “Clean Sri Lanka,” serves as the principal state partner.

Additionally, the event receives extensive support from various state institutions, including the National Design Centre, the Tri-Forces, and the Department of Information.

At the conclusion of the seven-day walk, a special State Ceremony will be held at Independence Square in Colombo on April 28, 2026. Concurrently, a special exhibition showcasing Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage and traditional handicrafts will be organized by the National Design Centre at the Gangaramaya premises on April 28 and 29, 2026.

This exhibition will feature brass items (ceremonial fans, flags, statues, bowls, and pinnacles), lacquerwork (caskets and boxes), clay crafts (bowls and statues), palm leaf crafts (fans and sesath), natural dyeing of robes, Dumbara wall hangings, traditional drums, and traditional paintings.

The primary objective of this cultural program is to contribute Sri Lanka’s Buddhist and cultural heritage to a project in Texas, USA, where the Tripitaka is being inscribed in 10 languages and enshrined within 840 stupas to create a centre for Buddhist education.