The National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) has raised concerns over the continued vacancy of Sri Lanka’s Auditor General post, now unfilled for nearly eight months.
Issuing a statement, the NMSJ noted that the Auditor General (AG) heads the state institution responsible for safeguarding public finances and ensuring accountability and transparency in government operations.
As such, the NMSJ highlighted that the prolonged absence of a permanent AG could undermine the credibility of the office, which is considered a cornerstone of financial oversight.
It urged the Constitutional Council (CC) to approve a suitable candidate recommended by the President in a manner that fully protects the independence of the audit process, in line with international standards.
The NMSJ also praised the current CC for “acting responsibly in the public interest” in previously reviewing nominees for both acting and permanent appointments.
However, the organisation expressed concern that the government may be considering appointing someone from outside the Auditor General’s Department, warning that such a move could weaken decades of institutional accountability.
“Given the commendable record of the AG’s Department and successive AGs in carrying out their duties with integrity and professionalism, it is a national responsibility to prevent any attempt that could weaken the accountability framework built over decades,” the statement said.
The NMSJ stressed that the Auditor General must operate independently and without influence from the executive, and called on the President and CC to ensure the appointment preserves the dignity, credibility, and independence of the office.
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