Constitutional Council Appoints New Auditor General 📈

The Constitutional Council (CC) has unanimously approved the appointment of Samudika Jayaratne (L.S.I. Jayaratne) as the new Auditor General of Sri Lanka, effective February 3, 2026. • Ending the Deadlock: This decision resolves a 10-month vacancy in the critical oversight role since the retirement of W.P.C. Wickramaratne in April 2025. • Professional Background: Jayaratne is a career official and previously served as a Senior Deputy Auditor General within the National Audit Office. • Governance Impact: The appointment restores permanent leadership to the national audit institution, which is vital for maintaining fiscal transparency and ensuring the independence of government audits. • Selection Process: Chaired by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, the CC reached a unanimous consensus following the rejection of several prior nominees, including a controversial military nomination in late 2025. The move is expected to stabilize the Government Audit Department and address civil society concerns regarding the accountability of state expenditure.