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.
In a special letter sent to the President yesterday (22), the BASL stressed that the appointment is vital to safeguarding transparency in public financial management and maintaining international confidence in Sri Lanka’s governance.
The Bar Association drew attention to the fact that no permanent Auditor General has been appointed since the retirement of the former Auditor General in April 2025.
The letter noted that the office of the Auditor General, established under Article 153(1) of the Constitution, plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability across all state institutions.
The BASL further pointed out that Sri Lanka is currently rebuilding its economy under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, while also receiving substantial foreign assistance to address the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditva.
In this context, the Bar Association emphasized that financial transparency must be upheld at the highest level.
The letter also highlighted that the individual previously proposed by the President failed to secure the approval of a majority in the Constitutional Council.
Accordingly, the BASL stated that the appointment should be made from among individuals who are politically independent, possess the necessary expertise and integrity, and are capable of securing the broad consensus of the Constitutional Council.
The letter has been signed by the President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, Rajeev Amarasuriya, and its Secretary, Chathuraya Galhena.
