The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressing concern over the prolonged failure to appoint a permanent Auditor General since April 2025.
In its letter, the BASL noted that the Office of the Auditor General, established under Article 153(1) of the Constitution, is of critical importance to the functioning of State institutions and other entities mandated under Article 154 of the Constitution. The association warned that the continued absence of a permanent Auditor General has serious implications for the effective functioning of the National Audit Office and for ensuring accountability across State institutions.
The BASL said the urgency of the appointment is heightened by the country’s current circumstances, as Sri Lanka emerges from a financial crisis with the support of the International Monetary Fund’s Extended Fund Facility and assistance from other international agencies. It also noted that Sri Lanka is receiving foreign financial assistance in response to the disaster situation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
In this context, the BASL stressed that financial accountability and transparency of State institutions are of paramount importance.
The association further observed that the individual nominated so far by the President for the post of Auditor General has not secured the acceptance of a majority of the Constitutional Council. It said it is therefore imperative that a candidate of proven competence, integrity and independence, who commands broad acceptance within the Constitutional Council, is appointed rather than a partisan figure.
According to the BASL, such an appointment would strengthen confidence in the National Audit Office and ensure that the constitutional mandate of the Auditor General is fulfilled without compromise.
The BASL said it has respectfully urged the President to take immediate steps to appoint a permanent Auditor General in terms of Article 153(1) of the Constitution, noting that the appointment is essential to safeguard the integrity of the National Audit Office and maintain the confidence of citizens and international partners in Sri Lanka’s financial governance. (Newswire)