The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has lodged complaints with law enforcement authorities and other relevant institutions over an alleged theft carried out by cyber hackers who infiltrated the computer system of the Department of External Resources.

In a statement, the Ministry said that information had been identified in January 2026 regarding the payment of a sum of foreign currency through the system.

Following the discovery, the Ministry informed the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SL-CERT) and the Sri Lanka Police’s Computer Crime Investigation Division.

Based on subsequent investigations, complaints were also lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

The Ministry said an internal preliminary inquiry had also been conducted and necessary measures taken, while disciplinary action had been initiated against several officials.

It further stated that assistance and required information had been provided to the relevant law enforcement agencies carrying out investigations into the incident.

As investigations are currently under way, the Ministry said further updates would be released at an appropriate time, without causing any interference to the ongoing probe.

The statement added that further action would be taken in accordance with agreements between Sri Lanka and foreign states, subject to the relevant coordination and consent processes.