President Anura Kumara Dissanayake handing over a sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhiya in Anuradhapura to Ven Bhikku Pannakara

In another matter, public interest activist Nagananda Kodituwakku has requested information regarding the citizenship of Finance Ministry Secretary Harshana Suriyapperuma from Australia’s Department of Home Affairs. In a letter dated April 28, Kodituwakku, a solicitor in England and Wales, asked for this information under Section 15 of the Freedom of Information Act No 3 of 1982 in Australia. Suriyapperuma also serves as the Secretary to the Treasury. Suriyapperuma, who was previously the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning from November 2024 to June 2025, is currently involved in a serious controversy concerning the theft of USD 2.5 million from the Treasury. Kodituwakku, the leader of the Vinivida Foundation, plans to take legal action against Suriyapperuma for allegedly entering Parliament through the NPP National List, claiming it violates the country’s Constitution (Article 91(1)(d)(xiiii). He stated, “This is clearly an accountability and integrity issue and a violation of the Constitution of Sri Lanka, and this action also goes against the laws concerning Commonwealth members.” The USD 2.5 million, which was paid to a third party, was supposed to be an installment of a loan from Australia. Suriyapperuma did not reply to a text message and did not answer his mobile phone.