Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has thwarted an attempt by one of its employees to embezzle US$ 5.5 million to an offshore bank account, the board has confirmed. The money was due to the board from Sony Pictures Networks in relation to the broadcasting rights for England's upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.

"Immediately, upon finding of the attempted fraud, SLC CEO Ashley De Silva lodged a complaint to the Financial Crimes Investigation Division, under the direction of the Minister of Sports Faiszer Musthapha," an SLC media release stated.

The employee in question is understood to be part of SLC's finance division, whose name has been withheld from the media until the completion of investigations.

"We came to know about the incident on Friday, with the individual having sent the mail on Thursday. Following internal inquiries over the weekend we decided to lodge a complaint with the FCID," de Silva told ESPNCricinfo.

In the meantime, SLC will also be conducting an internal audit into all financial transactions over the past year.

England are scheduled to visit Sri Lanka for a full-fledged tour comprising five ODIs, one T20I and three Tests. The first ODI will be played on October 10 in Dambulla, and the tour will conclude with the final Test in Colombo on November 23.