SriLankan Airlines issues strong denial over alleged cyberattack

SriLankan Airlines has categorically rejected allegations that its IT systems were hacked or taken over by cybercriminals, denying claims that hackers demanded a ransom of USD 50,000.

In a statement issued on Wednesday (21), the national carrier responded to recent media reports and public statements alleging that its computer systems had been compromised and remained under the control of hackers.

The clarification follows allegations made by Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara in Parliament on Tuesday (20), claiming that hackers had breached the airline’s systems in June 2026 and demanded USD 50,000 in cryptocurrency.

SriLankan Airlines said the allegations originated from an externally published cyber claim on June 29, 2026, which suggested that its IT systems had been breached.

The airline said it immediately conducted investigations, technical assessments and precautionary measures after becoming aware of the claims.

“Based on the findings, no unauthorized access to the airline’s internal Information Technology environment or operational systems, compromise of information assets, unauthorized extraction of data, or disruption to the airline’s services or operational continuity was established,” the airline said.

It further confirmed that all systems and services, including email services, had remained operational without interruption.

The airline also rejected allegations that hackers had demanded payment in cryptocurrency.

“SriLankan Airlines also confirms that no ransom demand, whether in Bitcoin, U.S. Dollars, or any other form, has been received from the alleged party, and no negotiations relating to a ransom have taken place,” the statement said.

The airline categorically denied claims that its systems had been hijacked or remained under the control of hackers.

Earlier, Jayasekara alleged in Parliament that hackers had published details of the alleged breach on the dark web and released a video claiming responsibility.

He also warned that the airline’s systems remained vulnerable to disruption and questioned the government’s response to the alleged cyberattack.

However, SriLankan Airlines maintained that its investigations found no evidence of unauthorized access, data theft or operational disruption.

The national carrier reiterated its commitment to protecting its information systems and maintaining reliable services for passengers, employees and business partners. (Newswire)

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