Ravi Karunanayake says responsibility for the recent cyber theft involving foreign loan repayment funds does not rest solely with the Ministry of Finance Sri Lanka, but also extends to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
The remarks were made amid ongoing investigations into the incident in which funds intended for foreign debt repayment were allegedly diverted to hackers’ accounts through a cyberattack.
Participating in an interview broadcast on a private television channel, the former United National Party Deputy Leader commented on the public debate surrounding calls for the resignation of the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance.
Karunanayake stated that:
- Removing or forcing senior officials to resign whenever problems arise in state institutions may create further administrative difficulties
- Such actions are not always practical because critical institutional responsibilities still need to be carried out
Referring to his own political experience, the MP said he too had previously faced similar difficult situations and stressed that such incidents should not be repeated.
He further pointed out that:
- The role of the Finance Ministry Secretary does not end merely with signing the final transaction documents in a foreign loan repayment process
- The Secretary still bears responsibility regarding oversight and procedure
However, Karunanayake argued that once the transaction process is transferred to the Central Bank, responsibility is also shared by:
- The Central Bank itself
- The Governor of the Central Bank
The incident has intensified discussion in Sri Lanka regarding:
- Cybersecurity weaknesses within state financial systems
- Institutional accountability
- Financial oversight mechanisms
- Governance standards in public sector financial management
Australian authorities, including the Australian Federal Police, are currently assisting Sri Lankan investigators in the case involving the alleged theft of US$2.5 million earmarked for repayment to the Australian government.
