Hackers demanded USD 50,000 after breaching SriLankan Airlines systems, Dayasiri alleges
Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara has alleged that hackers who compromised SriLankan Airlines’ computer systems demanded a ransom of USD 50,000 in cryptocurrency, warning that the national carrier remains vulnerable to further cyberattacks.
Addressing Parliament on Tuesday (20), Jayasekara claimed that SriLankan Airlines’ systems were compromised in June 2026, with hackers subsequently claiming responsibility for the attack on the dark web.
He alleged that the attackers had released a video claiming to have gained control of the airline’s systems and demanded USD 50,000 in cryptocurrency.
“The entire SriLankan Airlines system was hijacked. They even released a video claiming responsibility,” Jayasekara told Parliament.
The MP claimed that the airline’s email systems had also been compromised, raising serious concerns about the security of its digital infrastructure.
He further alleged that the airline’s email protection system had experienced problems following the attack.
Jayasekara warned that the alleged cyberattack could have serious consequences for the national carrier’s operations.
“Even now, the system is in the hands of hackers. They could bring it down at any time,” he claimed.
The opposition MP also raised questions about previous financial irregularities involving SriLankan Airlines, referring to payments made through accounts in Dubai and India.
He questioned whether the incidents were connected to weaknesses in the airline’s cybersecurity systems.
Jayasekara alleged that efforts to investigate the incident had been obstructed, claiming that an official who attempted to pursue an investigation was subsequently subjected to an inquiry initiated through the Presidential Secretariat.
He also claimed that assistance had been offered by the United States through representatives in Singapore to address the cybersecurity vulnerabilities, but that the government had not yet accepted the offer.
The MP urged the government to immediately investigate the alleged breach, secure the airline’s digital infrastructure and explain what action had been taken to prevent further attacks. (Newswire)
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