A political storm is brewing over the proposed appointment to the vacant post of Auditor General, as opposition MPs and state audit trade unions raise concerns over the government’s handling of the selection process.
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Mujibur Rahuman alleged in Parliament today that there is a move to appoint a person who studied one year below President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the University of Kelaniya, fueling speculation of preferential treatment. According to Rahuman, the individual in question has only around five years of experience as Audit Director at the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, raising doubts about his qualifications for the top audit role.
MP Dr. Harsha de Silva echoed the criticism, pointing out that the government appears intent on appointing an external candidate despite the presence of a senior and experienced official already within the Auditor General’s Department.
Meanwhile, the Constitutional Council, which was scheduled to review the President’s nominee, a person reportedly from a private sector audit firm, postponed its decision due to lack of consensus. The matter is now expected to be reconsidered today.
Opposition is also mounting from within the auditing establishment itself. The National Audit Office Trade Unions Coalition has condemned the move to bypass Dharmapala Gammanpila, the most senior officer in the State Audit Service, in favor of an outsider. They argue that promoting a seasoned internal candidate is essential to maintain the integrity and independence of the institution.
As political and institutional pressure builds, the government faces growing scrutiny over transparency and meritocracy in one of the most crucial appointments for financial accountability in the country.
