Harsha de Silva Urges President to Appoint Auditor General Without Delay

25-Dec-2025

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Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance and Member of Parliament Dr. Harsha de Silva has urged the President to appoint a qualified individual as Auditor General without delay, stating that the prolonged delay in the appointment has affected the discharge of constitutional responsibilities and parliamentary financial oversight.

In a letter sent to the President, he pointed out that the post of Auditor General has remained vacant since Dec 7, while the Audit Service Commission is also without a chairperson, creating multiple administrative and oversight challenges, particularly in the aftermath of severe natural disasters.

He noted that under Article 148 of the Constitution, full control over public finance rests with Parliament, and that an independent Auditor General is essential for the effective exercise of this authority. Under Article 154, the Auditor General is responsible for auditing public institutions and reporting to Parliament.

Due to the continued delay in appointment, constitutional responsibilities have been compromised, and parliamentary financial oversight functions, including those of the Committee on Public Accounts and other financial oversight committees that rely on audit reports, have been adversely affected.

He further stated that oversight of the National Audit Office’s budget, functions, and accountability falls under the purview of the Committee on Public Finance, and urged the President to make the appointment without delay given the prevailing crisis.