The appearance was intended to address concerns surrounding the alleged misplacement of USD 2.5 million linked to a cybersecurity breach at the Ministry of Finance.
However, COPF Chairman Dr. Harsha de Silva stated that Dr. Suriyapperuma has informed the committee, via a letter received yesterday (April 29), that he will not be attending the session as scheduled. The reasons for his absence have not been publicly disclosed.
The controversy stems from an incident discussed during a COPF meeting held on April 28, where it was revealed that cybercriminals had infiltrated a computer system within the Ministry of Finance, resulting in the unauthorized diversion of USD 2.5 million. The seriousness of the breach prompted the committee to summon several senior ministry officials, including the Treasury Secretary, to provide clarification and accountability.
Today’s session, chaired by Dr. Harsha de Silva, is expected to proceed with or without the Treasury Secretary’s presence, as scrutiny intensifies over financial oversight and cybersecurity vulnerabilities within key government institutions.
