President says State audit service should be strengthened to eliminate corruption, fraud

President Maithripala Sirisena says the State audit service should be strengthened in order to eliminate corruption and fraud rooted in the country and strengthen nation-building drive.

President Sirisena made this statement addressing the 61st Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Audit Service Association, held at the Audit Department Auditorium in Battaramulla on Wednesday.

Addressing the gathering, the President pointed out that if fraud and corruption in Government institutions can be averted, no necessity would arise to borrow from foreign or State banks to settle the annual budget deficit.

The President said some Government departments destroying Government revenues have become uncontrollable at present, and it is regrettable that no one including media institutions talks about such institutions where corruption, fraud and theft are rooted.

Expressing his views further, the President said that regardless of whatever criticisms are directed at him, he can say without a doubt that as leader of the country, he has fulfilled his duties and responsibilities without a lapse during the past four years.

The President pointed out that he appointed a Presidential Committee to inquire about the corruption of the previous regime, and consequently the Committee report was presented in the House. He added that the culprits of the Central Bank bond scam were brought to light under his directives.

President Sirisena observed that there were attempts to block the investigations into the Central Bank bond scam, and some legislations were too outdated to tackle such cases.

The President said that most of the time, criticism is directed at politicians, but there are many other parties who can play an active role in discouraging fraud and corruption.

The President also appreciated the service of the Audit Service Department, which plays a pivotal role in protecting its identity and dignity among the Departments that destroy State resources, State property and public money.

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Chairman of the Committee on Public Account Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Chairman of the Committee on Public Enterprises Sunil Handunnetti, Auditor General Gamini Wijesinghe, and Sri Lanka Audit Service Association President KNM Kumarasinghe were also present.