14 DAY TRIAL // Local hackers defaced the website of Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena twice: once on Thursday, August 25, and then the following day, on Friday.
A group that calls itself The Sri Lankan Youth took credit for the defacement, local newspaper The Sunday Times reports.
The hackers asked the government to reconsider moving the GCE A/L exams from April back to August because it would interfere with Hindu holidays.
Following the second defacement, the President's website, which runs on top of WordPress, was taken down for a few hours while officials worked to boost its security.
The presidency also reported the crime to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), who started an official investigation. The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) is also helping.
Below is a translation of the message left on the President's website, courtesy of HackerCG.
Dear Mr. President,
We are extremely displeased with the decision to hold GCE AL in April since the Sinhala/Hindu New Year falls in between the exam dates. Therefore, reconsider that decision. Furthermore, take care of the security of Sri Lankan websites. Or else, we will have to face a cyber war.
If you cannot control the situation hold a Presidential Election.
Stop the Prime Minister’s irresponsible work. Look more into the problems of the university students.
The Sri Lankan Youth
