A 17 year old boy from Kadugannawa was arrested today on charges that he had hacked into President Maithripala Sirisena’s official website.
Last week, Sirisena’s official website http://www.president.gov.lk/ came under cyber attack by a group who called themselves the ‘Sri Lankan Youth’. In a message which was published on the website in Sinhala, the hackers requested Sirisena to reconsider the decision to hold the GCE Advanced Level Examination in April as it coincides with the Sinhala and Hindu New Year.
They had also expressed their displeasure over the conduct of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and had urged Sirisena to look into the problems faced by the university students. They had also added that if Sirisena was not capable of ruling the country, then he should call for a Presidential Election.
The website was hacked two days in a row, on Thursday and Friday. Soon after the incident, the CID was tasked with carrying out the investigation with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT).
Patriot / August 29, 2016
Bad luck for the Hacker boy. If he was a LTTE suicide bomber Sira would have pardon him. But an MR supporter? well take him to Kaduwela Magistrate please.
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Dunken Leutheuser / August 29, 2016
That means you think Prez should pardon him ?
You the kind o men call yourself Patriot – you are not worth even to add you thoughts to this valuable forum – really miles aaway from the average.
You the stinky men have destroyed this nation to the levels nothing can help reverse.
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Native Vedda / August 29, 2016
Dunken Leutheuser, Sapumal, Sam Fernando, eldorado, Sherantha
What the hell are you talking about?
A boy of 17 years has done a brilliant job. He has exposed the weakness in the security of the website.
What the heck, its only official website of the president. Has he compromised the national security of this island?
Has he stolen large amounts of people’s wealth like the serving and former politicians?
Has he used hacking skill to rape any women?
Has he used his skills to smuggle and distribute container loads of drugs?
Those who maintain the website should be taken to task for providing low-quality web security. On the other hand, this boy should be given all opportunity to further his education, knowledge, skills and … fast-tracked, …. brought into the real world where he can contribute to this island, region, and the world.
For too long politicians and bureaucrats have had an easy ride. Here comes the new kind of challenge ‘Sri Lankan Youth’, to the self-serving crooked politicians, and bureaucrats who enjoy the time overwhelmed by inertia.
Instead of punishing and destroying these youth learn to harness their energy, enthusiasm, derring-do,…
In a few years time, he should be made the communication Tzar of this island, so that these youth could keep an eye on politician’s siblings, who still may be the chairman of the certain state-owned company.
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p / August 30, 2016
Native V you took the words right out of my mouth. However, knowing our donkeys they will not see the boy’s great ability, only his offence. I hope he replaces the SLT Chairman one day!
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JP Piyadasa / August 31, 2016
Native vadda, vetmahadeva, p and if any of you other guys on this forum are residing in the US – Remember the Texas boy, 14, a student who got arrested for bringing alarm he made to school, where’s that Muslim kid now, try and find out if he was asked to come back to take over the CEO job at Facebook or Apple?
And then Prabakaran too should have been given the Defence Minister portfolio here, why that too a brilliant brain, just for thoughts.
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Native Vedda / August 31, 2016
JP Piyadasa
“Remember the Texas boy, 14, a student who got arrested for bringing alarm he made to school, where’s that Muslim kid now, try and find out if he was asked to come back to take over the CEO job at Facebook or Apple?”
I admire your concern about the American boy and salute you for your generosity towards him, a stranger.
I am not sure he would be made CEO of all those multinationals if you mentor him.
I would not know where the boy is at present however you seem more concern about what is happening outside this island than inside this country. Please do type a few words if and when CT chooses to run a story about Ahmed Mohamed.
Here is a story that appeared on Guardian, 23 November 2015
Excerpt:
The boy’s family said in October that they would be moving to Qatar and he had accepted an offer from the Qatar Foundation to study at its Young Innovators Program. The announcement came a few hours after he was at the White House for an astronomy night hosted by Barack Obama.
Ahmed won support from Obama and other major US figures, including Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg, who said “having the skill and ambition to build something cool should lead to applause, not arrest”.
The family, now living in Doha, has also traveled the globe to meet foreign dignitaries.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/
2015/nov/23/texas-ahmed-mohamed-clock
-lawsuit-apology
Please let me comment on what is happening in this island whilst you keep and eye on USA. I know there aren’t many who are concerned about or generous to strangers. You are the exception. Keep up your good work.
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ramona therese fernando / August 30, 2016
Wow! That’s good NV!
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Native Vedda / August 30, 2016
ramona grandma therese fernando
“Wow! That’s good NV!”
If you agree with me it must be bad.
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vetmahadeva / August 30, 2016
The 17 year old Student Hacker should be given all opportunity to further his education, knowledge, skills and … fast-tracked, …. brought into the real world where he can contribute to this island, region, and the world: Though This may be a Project Given by his IT Guru!
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mj / August 30, 2016
This boy is a brilliant..will have wait and see what president has to say. .
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Uthungan / August 30, 2016
Brilliant
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Amarasiri / August 29, 2016
President Maithripala Sirisena’s
“A 17 year old boy from Kadugannawa was arrested today on charges that he had hacked into President Maithripala Sirisena’s official website.”
He also should have asked President Sirisena to disclose his secrets and to disclose Mahinda Rajapaksa files he talked about during 2014.
Sri Lanka needs an Ombudsman.
An ombudsman or public advocate is usually appointed by the government or by parliament, but with a significant degree of independence, who is charged with representing the interests of the public by investigating and addressing complaints of maladministration or a violation of rights. In some countries an Inspector General, Citizen Advocate or other official may have duties similar to those of a national ombudsman, and may also be appointed by a legislature. Below the national level an ombudsman may be appointed by a state, local or municipal government. Unofficial ombudsmen may be appointed by, or even work for, a corporation such as a utility supplier, newspaper, NGO, or professional regulatory body.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ombudsman
Why don’t you disclose?
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Analyst / August 30, 2016
17 year olds can rape , get married , drink, drive, smoke and take substance , when it comes to identifying the culprits they’re hidden either by the media, officials or by the under age escapism.
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Sinchuappu / August 29, 2016
take him to prison, and take you Ranjith to Mulleriya/Angoda – then both are treated well.
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Lapatiya / August 29, 2016
2.50 Patriot
MR pardoned Jhonston Fernando who helped to transport LTTE suicide carder who planned to kill MR. Later Jhonny gave evidence against Ponny. Now SIRA has pardoned the Suicide carder who tried to kill him without using him for his advantage. That is the difference 2.50 Patriot.
I suggest that you change your name as 2.50 Patriot as only Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila has the patent right for that.
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Aia / August 29, 2016
Stop short of chanting Jeyawewa for him, years back, we did it for Sepala when he arrived at BIA after he successfully hijacked a plane- this is the kind of patriotism we used to, so what you expect from a Pariot.
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Sapumal / August 29, 2016
I dont think only this student can do this much of harm alone. The demands made by hackers are also very advance.There should be someone behind the scene.
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Shan / August 29, 2016
Someone like MR supporter?
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Sam Fernando / August 29, 2016
Laws should be introduced to any kind crime doers to see it before- if caught their destiny wouldbe. Harder laws cantame all kind of criminals to considerable levels – that have been proved by western countries.
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eldorado / August 29, 2016
WOW ! Never knew that we had HACKERS that old in Sri Lanka who had the audacity to hack into the President’s Official Website. Looking at the subject matter why on earth couldn’t he just send him a mail or stand at Lipton’s Circus with a placard. He would have received more attention and would never have been arrested for his trouble.
Some of our youngsters are so hyped up about hacking into websites and emails that they do it for the heck of it and to “ape the west” little realising that if they do succeed in hacking and then caught as usually happens, they get landed in the calaboose.
Poor misguided youth ! (sic)
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Sherantha / August 29, 2016
agree with sapumal .. So much demands for a 17 yr old..PM, University students ,Prez elections..hmm. smells like meeharaka to me..
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sr / August 29, 2016
Taken so seriously! can’t believe it.
A juvenile delinquent, isn’t he
In a country even gun totters are rehabilitated!
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Native Vedda / August 29, 2016
sr
“In a country even gun totters are rehabilitated!”
Not only rehabilitated but also highly respected for killing more people, Rohana, VP, MR and Gota, probably they were/are super patriots in their own Cloud Cuckoo Land.
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Imaaz / August 29, 2016
Rather arresting him, be proud that we have such young intelligent youngsters in the country. When we dont identify and use their knowledge for good things then its obvious they tend to use it for bad things. Atleast now we should identify these talents and make use of them in a good way.
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sr / August 29, 2016
well said Imaaz;
The irony is that politicians and police are afraid of them so try to destroy at sight.
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Amarasiri / August 29, 2016
Imaaz
We indeed have quite a few youngsters with high IQs, compared to the morons like Wimal Buruwansa, of 2/2 =0 fame.
They shoyld arrest, Ganasara of BBS, Gotabel, the White van killer and their cronies.
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jim softy / August 29, 2016
Inthe west children are caught doing these things they are hired to the security firms and use their abilities for the betterment of the society.
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Chathushan / August 29, 2016
Hacking is not so easy. If truly that boy is behind this, We can be proud to know that 17 year old boy could do such a thing. Yes, its an illegal thing. But we must search for the reason to this. Everyone knows that A/L syllabus is not easy to finish in 2 years. And also the exam in Sinhala Hindu New Year is a very stupid thing(for my guess).
I don’t accept what he did. But if the reason is holding A/L exam in April, I truly agree with his intention.
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Shan / August 29, 2016
Hacking is not difficult if the website is not properly secured.
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Native Vedda / August 29, 2016
Shan
“Hacking is not difficult if the website is not properly secured.”
If hacking is that easy could you find people who can hack offshore bank accounts thereby making police investigators life bit easier and making our life less anxious?
I suggest you take up hacking as your full-time job.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
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Shan / August 29, 2016
Banks cannot be easily hacked for obvious reasons. They spend millions to secure their sites and data.
Sorry, I cannot hack and discover your fantasy land Eelam.
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Native Vedda / August 29, 2016
Shan
“Sorry, I cannot hack and discover your fantasy land Eelam.”
I am sorry you typing to the wrong person.
“Banks cannot be easily hacked for obvious reasons. They spend millions to secure their sites and data.”
You typed earlier:
“Hacking is not difficult if the website is not properly secured.”
Why was President’s website secured?
Is it because his website is unimportant or couldn’t find the right IT person to secure it? Was the site built and run by a person who is closely connected to him?
Please don’t undermine the young kid’s ability. If the kid sees no hope in this island, either he has to leave or get into all kind of mischief.
Don’t blame the youth if he and his fellow hackers bring down the entire communication system and the country to the grinding halt.
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Shan / August 30, 2016
I will not comment further since you are the security expert.
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Native Vedda / August 30, 2016
Shan
“I will not comment further since you are the security expert.”
Thank you for not typing further.
You led us to believe you were the IT expert. Sorry for mistaking you.
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Tani / August 31, 2016
Even Mark Zuckerberg’s Twitter and Printrest accounts were hacked recently, what for the telling, ha ha haa !
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Shamil / August 29, 2016
When I was 17 years old. I could only steal girls’ undergarment. The country has developped a bit.
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Native Vedda / August 29, 2016
Shamil
“When I was 17 years old. I could only steal girls’ undergarment. The country has developped a bit.”
In your time were the girls wearing undergarment?
By the way, you suffered from some kind of fetish. It is said those who suffer/enjoy fetish have a slightly less than normal brain layout.
Has your brain grown since?
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Douglas / August 29, 2016
The “Message” factually correct; but the way it was communicated all wrong. If the person who did is “17 Years” old, some authoritative agency mus think of hiring him and train properly and guide him to be a valuable asset to the country in the IT field. Could be a rare find.
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Native Vedda / August 29, 2016
Douglas
I am with you.
It is likely the police and the politicians will destroy him.
There is no room for excellence.
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Japwatch / August 30, 2016
Native,
Would you, Dougie and others commend this guy if he was from a different ethnicity? Or would you guys brand him as a potential terrorist?
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Native Vedda / August 30, 2016
Japwatch
“Would you, Dougie and others commend this guy if he was from a different ethnicity? Or would you guys brand him as a potential terrorist?”
Many many moons ago I heard a story about R Premadasa.
He admired LTTE for its dedication, ruthless efficiency, ability to innovate, resourcefulness, ……………………. and wished that the entire members including VP and Mahathia were part of the Sri Lankan armed forces.
What does the incident say about Premadasa?
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ru / August 30, 2016
[Edited out] Please write instead of posting links – CT
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truth finder / August 30, 2016
EMPLOY HIM!
a reasonable request! The only way the deaf and dumb politicians will wake up! GIVE HIM/THEM A REASONABLE HEARING! Warn and discharge. Make use of talent!,
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A W Abdulkany / August 30, 2016
Comments are positive and negative, whatever it is, the matter is very very serious. It is done intentionally, he knew who the President of Sri Lanka is and very well knew whose Website he is hacking. CID should probe who are the criminals behind him and under whose instructions he acted upon. Student should be student. The crime is an punishable offence. This should not be positively reinforced, if so this will encourage him to do more harmful to the society. No company should employ him. CID should be more watchful. if he can hack the website of the Head of State, Head of the country, Head of the Armed Forces, what more you want. Manipulators can use him as a tool to do evil things for money and perks for him.
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Native Vedda / August 30, 2016
A W Abdulkany
“Student should be student. The crime is an punishable offence”
Politicians should be politicians, police should be police, judges should be judges, bureaucrats should be bureaucrats, …….
In the absence of honesty and justice among those supposed guardians of this island why do you think that these boys should be punished?
If you sincerely believe in crime and punishment please go after the crooks, rapists, ….. tax dodgers, I can give some clue, Politicians, Bureaucrats, state functionaries, judges, policemen, members of armed forces, war criminals, murderers, ……
You have plenty of criminals smarting out there, please, please, please go after them, bring all of them to justice, …. in the meantime, look back and let us know how honest you have been in the past?
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A W Abdulkany / August 31, 2016
Dear Native Veddah, crimes should be punished irrespective of personalities. No one should condone crimes, frauds and other grave crimes. If we do not punish, we will be an uncivilized nation in the world and we will lose respect in the world, and will be a pariah state. It is the responsibility of the Government and the law enforcement mechanism which is missing today. This is the problem faced by all the countries in the world and where ever human beings live.
I have never committed any crimes. I will not pen a word, if I am guilty of any crime. Take my word.
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thrishu / August 30, 2016
Boy and his mate should be rehabilitated and put to good use for the benefit of the nation, if he is a clever guy. The prison would hardened criminals would make him one of them by the time he comes out.
No excuses for his misdemeanor, but having gone through my youth and considering all the stunts that high school and university kids do, I know kids think they are heroes doing this sort of thing. After all he was trying to promote a good cause (in his mind).
Remember, 1971 Insurrection hundreds of murdering gangster kids were rehabilitated by Mrs B, and even LTTE terrorists have been pardoned. Prabhakaran’s chief international collector have been and still being molly coddled by two successive governments, and Karuna has been a minister for long time. Treat the kid with compassion depending on his attitude, and develop his knowledge for anti-hacking technology. And the parents need some talking to.
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Good Sense / August 30, 2016
I fully agree with you. This case cannot be condoned and it is fully in order if his parents give him a good thrashing or a judge ordering an elder to mete out a similar punishment. But this should not be a case for throwing him to Prison. Not everyone can manipulate IT systems and he can be made into a good computer engineer to protect IT systems in the future. Definitely this is an eye opener to IT fellows at the Presidential Palace to assess their weaknesses.
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Raj / August 30, 2016
A cyber criminal in the making? Intelligent criminals are the worst, its time we stopped condoning criminals in whatever form.
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Native Vedda / August 30, 2016
Raj
“Intelligent criminals are the worst, its time we stopped condoning criminals in whatever form.”
A Very Good idea.
Please go after the crooked politicians, state functionaries, policemen, war criminals, rapists, drug smugglers, …………. saffron clad thugs, ….
Be a man.
I will be right behind you.
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Siribiris / August 30, 2016
Is this a surprise when UNP has stolen what My3 possessed for 40 years? (A hardcore SLFPer who happened to be a friend of mine living in Canada made this interesting remark)!
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gamini / August 31, 2016
He is smart only if he did not get caught after hacking.
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