CoPF clears 2026 budget estimate of National Audit Office

• Flags staffing, tech gaps

The Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) has approved the 2026 budget estimate of the National Audit Office for presentation to Parliament, while raising concerns over staffing shortages and the slow adoption of modern technology.

The committee, which met on August 19 under the acting chairmanship of Rauff Hakeem in the absence of CoPF Chair Harsha de Silva, discussed challenges faced by the Audit Office, which scrutinises nearly 2,000 institutions including ministries, state-owned enterprises and foreign projects.

Officials from the Auditor General’s Department said only about 35 Chartered Accountants are currently employed, and that difficulties in retaining skilled staff stem from uncompetitive salary structures.

Members also highlighted the need to establish provincial-level offices and to use technological tools, including artificial intelligence, to improve efficiency with limited staff.

The meeting was attended by Acting Auditor General G.H.D. Dharmapala, officials from the Department of National Budget, and several lawmakers from different political parties.