A Sri Lankan finance ministry official linked to the exposure of a controversial US$2.5 million Treasury fraud has been found dead at his residence in Kuliyapitiya on April 30, according to local media reports.
The deceased, an assistant director attached to the External Resources Department (ERD), was among several officials suspended pending investigations into the high-profile scandal, which involved the alleged diversion of state funds earmarked for external debt repayment.
Sri Lankan media reported that the fraud, which surfaced earlier this year, centred on the misdirection of approximately US$2.5 million through what authorities have described as a cyber-related breach or manipulation of government payment systems.
The official had reportedly provided multiple statements to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) as part of the ongoing probe, placing him among those with direct knowledge of how the transaction was carried out.
His body was discovered at his residence in Kuliyapitiya, with police yet to determine whether the death resulted from suicide, homicide, or an accident. However, Ada Derana reported that the body bore injuries, including cuts to the leg and wounds to the arm, with bloodstains found in the vicinity. A small knife was also recovered near the scene.
Sri Lankan police stated that the Kuliyapitiya Magistrate visited the site and conducted an initial magisterial inquiry.
Further investigations are ongoing.