The National Movement for a Just Society has issued a statement expressing serious concern over the continued vacancy of the position of Auditor General for nearly eight months. The Auditor General heads an institution that bears primary responsibility for state financial operations, the management of public resources, and ensuring transparency within the executive.
The full statement is as follows:
Media Release
The position of Auditor General should be established in a manner that safeguards the well-being of the state, serves the common good of the country, and ensures professional independence.
The National Movement for a Just Society expresses its grave concern regarding the prolonged vacancy of the post of Auditor General — the head of an institution entrusted with primary responsibility for state financial operations, the management of public resources, and the mechanism for scrutinizing the transparency of the executive — which has remained unfilled for almost eight months.
In this context, we expect the Constitutional Council, when approving the recommendations submitted by the Honorable President in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, to appoint a suitable individual to the position in a manner that guarantees the independence of the state audit process, in line with internationally accepted standards.
We also wish to express our appreciation to the present Constitutional Council for acting responsibly in the past by prioritizing public interest when considering individuals nominated by the government and the executive for the post of Auditor General, both on an acting and permanent basis.
At a time when a person from outside the Auditor General’s Department is being proposed for appointment to the position on a permanent basis, several important matters must be brought to the attention of the government led by the Honorable President, the Constitutional Council, and society at large.
Considering the distinguished history of the Auditor General’s Department and the longstanding commitment of successive Auditor Generals in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities, it should be regarded as a national responsibility to prevent any attempt that could undermine the level of national accountability achieved thus far. Accordingly, the selection of a person to fill the vacant position of Auditor General must strictly adhere to clear and established criteria.
Furthermore, it is imperative to emphasize that the position of Auditor General is not one that operates under the direction of the executive. Rather, it is a position of the highest national importance, carrying a responsibility to function independently of executive power.
Therefore, the National Movement for a Just Society respectfully urges the Honorable President and the Constitutional Council to ensure that the appointment to the post of Auditor General — a role vital to the well-being of the state and the common good of the country — is made in a manner that upholds the dignity, independence, and integrity of the institution.
Sunil Jayasekara
General Secretary
National Movement for a Just Society
2025.12.16
