The government has rejected claims that funds sent by Sri Lankan workers in Israel were lost due to a hacker attack, describing the allegation as completely false.
Speaking in Parliament, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra said the issue stems from legal action being pursued by Israeli authorities against Global Remit and not a cyber attack as claimed by an opposition MP.
He said Israeli authorities have suspended approximately US$6.9 million as part of the legal proceedings. However, the amount belonging to Sri Lankan workers has not yet been determined.
According to the Deputy Minister, around 5,100 Sri Lankan workers may have been affected by the suspension.
Hemachandra said discussions are ongoing at both banking and diplomatic levels to resolve the matter, while alternative remittance channels have already been introduced for Sri Lankan workers in Israel.
He added that the government remains committed to strengthening the economy despite global challenges, including instability in the Middle East and climate-related impacts such as El Niño.
The Deputy Minister also said tax reforms and the digitalisation of the tax system are important steps towards improving state revenue, while efforts continue to reduce waste and corruption and ensure public funds are directed towards public benefit. (Newswire)