Sri Lanka Makes History: Samudika Jayaratne Sworn In as First Female Auditor General
By Lions Roar News National Desk
SRI JAYAWARDENEPURA KOTTE, SRI LANKA — Friday, February 6, 2026 — In a landmark moment for the nation’s public service, Mrs. Samudika Jayaratne was officially sworn in as the new Auditor General of Sri Lanka. The ceremony took place yesterday, February 5, at the Parliament complex, marking a historic shift in the country’s financial oversight leadership.
Jayaratne becomes the 42nd Auditor General of Sri Lanka and holds the distinct honor of being the first woman ever appointed to this prestigious and critical role.
1. The Swearing-In Ceremony
Mrs. Jayaratne took her oath of secrecy before the Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. The ceremony was conducted in accordance with the law, solidifying her position at the helm of the country’s auditing standards.
- Legal Mandate: The oath was taken pursuant to Section 9 of the National Audit Act No. 19 of 2018.
- Dual Roles: In addition to her role as the Auditor General, she will also serve as the Chairperson of the Audit Service Commission.
- Distinguished Guests: The event was attended by high-ranking officials, including the Secretary General of Parliament, Ms. Kushani Rohanadeera.
2. A Historic Milestone for Women in Leadership
The appointment of Mrs. Jayaratne is being hailed as a major victory for gender equality within Sri Lanka’s senior civil service. As the 42nd individual to hold the post, her elevation to the top of the National Audit Office shatters a long-standing “glass ceiling” in the field of state financial governance.
The Auditor General’s office is responsible for auditing all government departments, local authorities, and public corporations, making it one of the most powerful independent offices in the country.
3. Challenges and Expectations
As she steps into the role, Jayaratne faces the task of upholding transparency and accountability during a pivotal period for the Sri Lankan economy.
- Focus on Integrity: Her appointment comes at a time when the public is demanding stricter oversight of government spending and more rigorous audits of state-owned enterprises.
- Modernization: Observers expect her to continue the modernization of the National Audit Office, utilizing the powers granted by the 2018 Act to ensure the efficient use of public funds.
