Failure to form National Audit Service led to resignation of skilled auditors : Auditor General

The failure to establish a National Audit Service despite the passing of the Audit Bill has resulted in the resignation of some 80 skilled auditors over the last few years, Auditor General Gamini Wijesinghe said yesterday (Feb 27).

He said that the individuals who attempted to obstruct the Audit Bill from being passed, are now trying to hinder the functioning of the National Audit Service.

"A lethargic approach could be witnessed on the part of the officials despite many efforts taken by the President to pass the Audit Bill" Mr. Wijesinghe claimed.

While pointing out that the Auditor General's Department has become an independent body since the establishment of the National Audit Service, he stressed that certain officials were reluctant to assist in the strengthening of the Department due to the fraud and corruption that they have been engaged in over the last few years.

Speaking further he said that these individuals were reluctant to support the Auditor General's Department out of fear in losing certain privileges.

He made these remarks at the 61st anniversary of the Sri Lanka Audit Service Association yesterday.