The Hon. Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, a continuous audit is already in place by the National Audit Office for Ministries, Departments and Statutory Bodies.

¶ 02 There is a formal process to issue audit queries, obtain responses and conduct follow-up at institutional and ministerial level audit and management committees; to issue management, draft, special and final audit reports; and to pursue matters through COPE and COPA with directions.

¶ 03 Throughout this process, opportunities and authority already exist for Accountants and Chief Accountants at institutional and ministerial levels to follow up, correct and take legal action on deficiencies, fraud, corruption and lapses revealed through audit. However, due to failures to act properly, timely and specifically, facts remain unrectified and the same issues recur.

¶ 04 Therefore, the Government intends to implement the following:

¶ 05 1. Issue circulars strengthening the existing authority of Accountants and Chief Accountants to promptly follow up, correct and take legal action within a specific timeframe on all deficiencies, fraud, corruption and lapses revealed by audit.

¶ 06 2. Refer administrative issues to relevant disciplinary authorities, strengthen them via circulars, and create the background for expeditious resolutions.

¶ 07 3. Refer matters requiring intervention of law enforcement and justice institutions without delay, and create the background to enforce the law promptly.

¶ 08 4. Amend Parliamentary Standing Orders to empower COPE and COPA to go beyond issuing directions and to make binding decisions.

¶ 09 5. Strengthen processes in the Audit and Management branches of the Ministry of Finance to expedite implementation of audit recommendations.

¶ 10 6. Strengthen surcharge/charge processes against public officers identified for misuse of state funds, state property or public property and for administrative malpractice.

¶ 11 7. Create a system to treat such findings as disqualifications or impediments in appointments and promotions of public officers found culpable for misuse of state funds or property or administrative malpractice.

¶ 12 We will consult relevant parties and take necessary steps expeditiously. Thank you.