Namal claims Government delaying Auditor General appointment to cover up corruption

Colombo, December 31 (Daily Mirror) - Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa has accused the government of deliberately delaying the appointment of the Auditor General to cover up fraud and corruption. He pointed out that some ministers have recently criticized the Constitutional Council after the President’s attempt to appoint a close associate to the position was blocked.

The Auditor General’s post has remained vacant for eight months, raising concerns over transparency and accountability in government operations.

Rajapaksa claimed that the failure to appoint a suitable candidate is connected to ongoing corrupt activities, including irregularities in tender calls for imports, the unauthorized removal of 323 containers from the port, and investigations into substandard medicines. He alleged that powerful figures within the government are attempting to place a friend in the role to protect these interests.

The MP warned that such delays could jeopardize Sri Lanka’s foreign aid. “Loans and assistance from international organizations such as the World Bank, IMF, and Asian Development Bank are contingent on proper audits. Without an Auditor General, these critical funds may be at risk,” he said.

Rajapaksa urged the government to reconsider its approach, stressing that the lack of an Auditor General poses a serious threat to the country’s credibility and its ability to secure international support.