Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Mujibur Rahuman has alleged in Parliament that there is a plan underway to appoint an individual, who studied at the University of Kelaniya a year ahead of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, to the post of Auditor General—a position that has remained vacant for over a month.
Speaking during today’s parliamentary session, MP Rahuman claimed that the prospective appointee has approximately five years of experience as an Audit Director at the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.
Echoing these concerns, fellow SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva also addressed the matter in Parliament. He noted that although the Speaker had previously announced that a decision regarding the Auditor General appointment would be made yesterday (20th), it has since emerged that no final decision has been reached.
Dr. de Silva further alleged that the government appears to be attempting to appoint someone from outside the existing Auditor General’s service, despite the presence of a highly experienced and most senior official currently serving within the department.
“An Auditor General has not been appointed yet. When the issue was raised with the Speaker yesterday, we were informed that the appointment would be made that very day. However, now we hear that someone submitted an application just the day before yesterday,” he stated.
“We must question the government on whether there is a political move to bring in an external candidate while the most senior person in the Auditor General’s service is already in place.”
Dr. de Silva emphasized the importance of preserving the independence of the Auditor General’s Department.
“The Auditor General is the head of an independent institution. We expect that this independence will be upheld, especially considering the crucial oversight role it plays. I raise this matter particularly in my capacity as the Chairman of the Finance Committee,” he added.
