Outgoing Auditor General flags State officials’ involvement in corruption

Thursday, 10 April 2025 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Outgoing Auditor General

Chulantha Wickramaratne

Outgoing Auditor General Chulantha Wickramaratne made a candid and compelling call for systemic accountability, highlighting the overlooked role of State officials in numerous corruption cases.

Speaking to journalists on his final day in office, marking the end of a six-year tenure serving as the 41st Auditor General, said that while politicians often bear the brunt of public criticism, corruption investigations have consistently uncovered the involvement of Government officials in key roles.

“Politicians alone cannot sign cheques or approve vouchers. These are often actions carried out by State officials. If we continue to ignore this aspect, the country will keep repeating the same mistake,” he said.

Wickramaratne warned that without addressing the role of public servants in facilitating or enabling corruption, genuine reform will remain out of reach.

He pointed to the importance of oversight by Parliament, stressing that bodies like the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) and the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) must play a more proactive role.

“It is only through these mechanisms that a proper system can be built to hold individuals accountable. The Auditor General’s office has a crucial role not just in submitting audit reports, but in helping initiate further actions and ensuring punishments are imposed where necessary,” Wickramaratne added.

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