BASL urges President to appoint permanent Auditor General without delay

Colombo, Dec. 23 (Daily Mirror) - The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to take immediate steps to appoint a permanent Auditor General in accordance with the Constitution, stressing that such an appointment is essential to safeguard the integrity of the National Audit Office and to maintain the confidence of citizens as well as international partners in the State’s financial governance.

In a letter addressed to the Head of State dated December 22, 2025, the BASL expressed deep concern over the prolonged failure to appoint a permanent Auditor General following the retirement of the former Auditor General in April 2025.

The BASL noted that the Office of the Auditor General, established under Article 153(1) of the Constitution, plays a pivotal role in the functioning of all State institutions and other entities as provided under Article 154. The continued absence of a permanent Auditor General, the BASL warned, has serious implications for the effective functioning of the National Audit Office and for ensuring accountability across State institutions and constitutionally mandated entities.

Highlighting the urgency of the matter, the BASL stated that Sri Lanka is currently emerging from a severe financial crisis with the assistance of the International Monetary Fund under the Extended Fund Facility programme, as well as support from other international agencies. In addition, the country is receiving foreign financial assistance in response to the disaster situation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

“In this context, financial accountability and transparency of State institutions are of paramount importance,” the BASL stated, emphasising that a robust audit oversight is critical at this juncture.

The BASL further observed that the individual nominated thus far by the President for the post of Auditor General has not secured the acceptance of a majority of the Constitutional Council. Accordingly, the BASL stressed that it is imperative to appoint a candidate of proven competence, integrity and independence who commands wide acceptance within the Constitutional Council, rather than a partisan figure.

Such an appointment, the BASL said, would strengthen public and international confidence in the National Audit Office and ensure that the constitutional mandate of the Auditor General is fulfilled without compromise.

The BASL’s letter was signed by its President Rajeev Amarasuriya and Secretary Chathura Galhena.