The Hon. Manjula Sugath Rathnayaka

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today we debate amendments to the National Audit Act, No. 19 of 2018, and two Supplementary Estimates. Through these amendments, a proper beginning–middle–end process is now structured. This is vital to avert systemic and control weaknesses and corruption risks in government operations, serving as a deterrent mechanism.

¶ 02 Where officials in any institution act contrary to written law, or engage in corruption or misappropriation, these amendments empower the Auditor General to initiate legal measures and complain to law enforcement and regulators, with follow-up. If the State suffers loss, the surcharge recovery process is strengthened.

¶ 03 Some say these measures will reduce officials’ morale, making them reluctant to act. If they fear this, it is because bribery, commissions, and theft have become habits. Only such people need fear these amendments; honest officials need not. Just as addictions have become “habits,” some behaviour in Parliament today also reflects entrenched bad practices. Such people should indeed fear these laws.

¶ 04 Under the amendment, when the Auditor General determines a sum to be surcharged, he recommends it to the Surcharge Review Committee. Then, via the Chief Accounting Officer or the Cabinet Secretary, the surcharge certificate is issued to the responsible person. If the amount is not recovered within the period provided, the Committee can report to COPE or the Committee on Public Accounts. It can also obtain expert knowledge. These changes enhance accountability, strengthen financial control, and curb misuse of public funds, allowing those monies to be redirected to development. Therefore, we should all support these amendments, including the Opposition. I conclude.