TISL renews calls to bring National Audit Bill up for debate

By Chathuri Dissanayake

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) yesterday renewed the call to pass the proposed Audit Bill, urging the Government to retain the surcharging powers vested in the Auditor General that have faced opposition. 

Stressing that any amendments needed for the bill can be presented during the committee stage of Parliament, TISL Executive Director Asoka Obeysekere said that the Government should table the bill in Parliament immediately. 

“The bill is also a promise made under the 100-day manifesto. So it should be presented immediately,” he said. 

“We have heard that the Cabinet of Ministers plans to curtail the proposed powers of the Auditor General under the National Audit Bill, which would limit the Auditor General’s ability to hold individuals personally liable for losses caused to state entities. This should be retained and the bill should be presented.” 

However, he highlighted that there are a few issues that need to be addressed during the committee stage of the debate.  Obeysekere said that more clarity was needed during the appeals process for surcharges issued. 

Obeysekere stated that “whilst surcharging powers should be retained, it would be prudent to ensure that the law specifies ever clearer processes for the imposition of a surcharge. At the same time, the appeal procedure needs to be unbiased and devoid of any appearance of conflict of interest for the Auditor General. TISL believes that the current bill raises issues in these two matters.  “The appeals committee also includes a member of the Audit Commission, but this is an issue. There is a perceived conflict of interest here,” he said. However, he was of the opinion that the bill should be presented in Parliament where amendments can be brought in. 

TISL called on the Cabinet to display its commitment to fighting corruption and enhancing the scrutiny of public finance by tabling the National Audit Bill before Parliament.