Sri Lanka’s most senior Buddhist clerics have raised concerns over a growing crisis in public financial oversight, warning that delays in appointing a permanent Auditor General are fueling confusion and potential divisions over the management of state finances.
In a letter addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Tri-Sectarian Maha Theras said the failure to appoint a permanent Auditor General, even after the term of the Acting Auditor General had ended, had created space for various parties to sow discord and differing opinions regarding public financial management. They cautioned that such uncertainty threatens the integrity of financial accountability at a time when public trust in state institutions is crucial.
The senior monks emphasized that the position of Auditor General carries significant responsibility for ensuring transparency, accountability and proper oversight of public funds. Against this backdrop, they said it would be inappropriate to appoint an individual from outside the Auditor General’s Department to such a critical role, arguing that external appointments risk weakening institutional continuity and professional independence.
Instead, the Tri-Sectarian Maha Theras urged the president to appoint Dharmapala Gammanpila, the most senior officer within the Auditor General’s Department, citing his extensive experience and long-standing service. They said that selecting a seasoned internal official would safeguard professional standards within the department and reinforce confidence in the country’s financial management framework.
The monks further noted that a timely and appropriate appointment would not only stabilize the Auditor General’s Department but also support the broader effort to guide the country forward under the president’s leadership. They stressed that decisive action on the appointment would help prevent further uncertainty and strengthen transparent governance at a critical juncture for Sri Lanka’s economic and institutional recovery.
