Global Legislative Body

Government Investigates Cyber Theft of $2.5 Million

The Sri Lankan government, through the Finance Ministry and law enforcement agencies such as the CID and CERT, has been investigating a cyber theft incident involving $2.5 million. This investigation was initiated a month before the opposition became aware of the incident. Chief Government Whip and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa informed Parliament that the government had already made significant progress in the case.

"The Opposition came to know about this incident on April 22. By then, we had done a great deal of work. After the revelation of the incident, the External Resources Department (ERD) Director General lodged a complaint with the CID on March 24. On the same day, the Finance Ministry appointed a technical investigation committee in this regard. The report of that committee was received on April 10."

According to the recommendations of the Committee, four officials involved in the incident were transferred. They were suspended from work on April 17 based on that investigation.

Minister Jayatissa further clarified that it was not Ranga Rajapaksa but the Director General of the ERD who filed the complaint regarding the loss of $2.5 million.

"The Opposition claimed that this officer filed the complaint. But, the Director General of the Department filed the complaint."

Another issue raised by the minister involves the suspicious death of the officer. Two individuals outside of Parliament have made statements regarding this, prompting legal action against them.

"Ranga Rajapaksa's relatives have a problem with those statements. They are seriously shocked by these statements."

Today, a Dhamma sermon is being held in his house, and tomorrow, an almsgiving will take place in his memory. The relatives will come and complain against those who made the statements.

"A special committee of four forensic medical officers has been appointed."

The minister emphasized that the Opposition has no responsibility for the deceased officer and his family. An investigation into this as a case of accidental death is underway, with the cause of death clearly stated in the JMO report.

"The blood, urine and hair samples of the deceased have been sent for DNA testing. After receiving those test reports, the full report will be submitted to the court."

"Do not create any confusion with this. Do not insult the deceased and his family," the Minister requested.

VAT and Tax Reforms

The Opposition's claim that VAT on general goods and services has been increased to 20.5 percent is incorrect and misleading, according to Economic Development Deputy Minister Nishantha Jayaweera.

"There is no increase in VAT on general consumer goods, food, or non-financial services and it remains at 18 percent. The VAT rate on financial services is changing to 20.5 percent. However, this is not an additional tax increase. It is a consolidation of the existing 18 percent VAT and the 2.5 percent Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL)."

"This restructuring aims to simplify tax reporting for banks, reducing administrative burdens by replacing two separate levies (18 percent + 2.5 percent) with a single 20.5 percent VAT rate."

Amendments to duty-free regulations were also made, allowing foreign visitors and returning residents to shop at the Colombo Port City duty-free complex on two separate occasions within four days of their arrival.

"The total duty-free allowance remains capped at US$ 2,000 per traveller annually. Passengers can now divide their purchases across two visits within a four-day window of their first date of arrival."

"This allows high-spending visitors greater flexibility, aimed at supporting the retail and tourism sectors."

Education Reforms and Agricultural Support

Prime Minister and Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya announced that the Grade 6 education reforms will be implemented in January 2027.

"Preparations for the education reforms are already underway. The committee appointed to review previously printed modules for Grade 06 which were found to have issues has completed its study. She said that the committee has suggested amendments and has finalised discussions."

"Revised modules of the Grade 06 syllabus will be sent for printing this month. Teacher training programme under the new education reforms will commence in June 2026 with funds already allocated for the purpose."

The Government has also purchased nearly 50,000 MT of paddy to protect farmers from price fluctuations.

"The Government has stepped up market intervention by purchasing over 49,780 metric tons of paddy from local farmers up to March 19, 2026. The procurement cost of these 49,780 metric tonnes was over Rs. 5,982 million."

Judicial Independence Concerns

Opposition MPs have voiced concerns over the President's statement about future court rulings. They demanded that the Government immediately stop its statements targeting the Judiciary.

"The statement made by the President should be retracted. This statement is a serious threat to an independent Judiciary. The Government, led by the President, must act, in word and deed, to respect the independence of the Judiciary."

They emphasized that the Judiciary is accountable to the Constitution, not the Executive.

International Collaboration

Sri Lanka and Thailand have strengthened educational ties during a visit by Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Minister Dr. Upali Pannilage. Discussions focused on Thailand's Sufficiency Economy Philosophy and its application in education.

"Minister Pannilage highlighted Sri Lanka's priorities in rural development, community empowerment, and skills-based education, expressing interest in adapting relevant aspects of this model."

Freshwater Fisheries Development

Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar informed Parliament that measures have been taken to improve freshwater fisheries.

"Special plans are being prepared and implemented in collaboration with the relevant rural fishing associations to collect the necessary fish fry for the reservoirs."

"Steps have also been taken to establish three large-scale breeding centres. Feasibility studies will also be given priority."

Public Consultation on Electricity Tariffs

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) will hold a public consultation on the proposed Extraordinary Electricity Tariff Review for 2026.

"The oral consultation will be held at BMICH, Colombo 7 today from 8:30 am - 3:00 pm."

Constitutional Amendments

The Supreme Court has determined that Clause 34(1) of the Inland Revenue Amendment Bill is inconsistent with the Constitution.

"Accordingly, the Supreme Court has determined that the Bill could be passed by a simple majority of Parliament except Clause 31(4) of the Bill."

Voluntary Retirement Scheme Payments

Compensation for former Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) employees under the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) will be paid in two phases following the abolition of the CEB.

"50 percent of the total payment is expected to be released by May 15 through Treasury funds."

Jaffna and Kachchativu Claims

Opposition Jaffna Parliamentarian Archchuna Ramanathan claimed that not only the island of Kachchativu but also Jaffna should be handed over to India's Tamil Nadu state.

"Not only Kachchativu, but also Jaffna should be given to Tamil Nadu. The people of Tamil Nadu will protect us," MP Ramanathan said.