The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, Standing Order 92(2) states that if matters outside the business of Parliament are being presented, notice should be given at any time. So, please allow us that opportunity.

¶ 02 To the Government Chief Organizer: you are arguing with the Chair of the Constitutional Council. Mr. Speaker, the Constitutional Council is not bound to agree to any name the President sends. That is clear in Article 41 of the Constitution. Appointments must be made in accordance with the Constitution, which also specifies how promotions are granted and the qualifications required. The officials of the Council, including its Chair, cannot be bypassed.

¶ 03 Further, Article 154(3) clearly states: “The duties and functions assigned by law shall be performed by the Auditor-General.” Without an Auditor-General, you cannot run these Committees in Parliament. That is why we say this cannot be done outside parliamentary procedure. The point is that there are audits due for 2025. We urge you, as Presiding Officer, to take a clear, direct decision. If the President sends a name to cover up the Government’s wrongdoings, we will not agree. We propose that an independent person be nominated as Auditor-General.