Sri Lanka's Committee on Public Finance has endorsed the salary package for the Auditor General following a comprehensive examination of compensation and benefits attached to the constitutional office.
The Committee on Public Finance met on August 4, 2026, to deliberate on the remuneration structure for the Auditor General, a position that operates outside the standard public service framework. Led by MP Dr. Harsha de Silva and comprising several parliamentarians and deputy ministers, the committee examined the proposed salary under constitutional provisions governing the office.
During discussions, committee members considered multiple factors in determining appropriate compensation for the role. These included the scope of responsibilities shouldered by the Auditor General, the office's critical function in monitoring public finances, and the necessity of maintaining independence within the national audit system. According to parliamentary communications, members also took into account historical salary levels of previous office holders when evaluating the proposal.
A key consideration during deliberations was the Auditor General's constitutional status. Under Article 170 of the Constitution, the Auditor General is not classified as a public officer, which creates flexibility in setting compensation outside regular civil service pay scales. Officials noted that previously, the National Salaries and Cadre Commission determined the salary, but this body is not currently operational.
While approving the salary, the committee concluded that the remuneration should reflect the office's significance and responsibilities. Members indicated they would revisit compensation in future reviews to ensure it remains adequate. Additionally, the committee chair proposed establishing a permanent and independent Salaries and Cadre Commission to address such matters systematically going forward.
