Prolonged vacancy in auditor general’s office raises accountability concerns – BASL

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has expressed serious concern over the prolonged failure to appoint a permanent auditor general, warning that the vacancy threatens financial accountability as the country emerges from an economic crisis and receives foreign assistance.

In a letter to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the BASL said the post has remained vacant for more than 10 months following the retirement of the former auditor general in April 2025.

The office of auditor general, established under Article 153(1) of the Constitution, plays a central role in overseeing state institutions and public entities. Its absence has serious implications for the effective functioning of the National Audit Office and for constitutional oversight of public finances, the BASL said.

It said the urgency of the appointment has increased as Sri Lanka recovers from a financial crisis with support from the International Monetary Fund’s Extended Fund Facility and other international agencies.

The country is also receiving foreign financial assistance in response to damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

“In this context, financial accountability and transparency of state institutions are of paramount importance,” the letter said.

The BASL noted that a nominee previously put forward by the president for the position failed to secure the support of a majority of the Constitutional Council, which must approve the appointment.

“It is therefore imperative that a candidate of proven competence, integrity and independence — who commands wide acceptance within the Constitutional Council — is appointed, rather than a partisan figure,” the letter said.

Such an appointment would strengthen public and international confidence in the National Audit Office and ensure that the constitutional mandate of the auditor general is carried out without compromise, the letter added.

The BASL urged the president to take immediate steps to appoint a permanent auditor general in accordance with the Constitution, noting that the move is essential to safeguard the credibility of Sri Lanka’s financial governance and maintain trust among citizens and international partners.