Unveiling Unchecked Privileges: A Special Audit of Parliament’s Finances
A recent special audit by the Auditor General’s Department has opened a Pandora’s box, revealing astonishing disparities in the allocation of perks and expenditures within the Sri Lankan Parliament. The report, which was tabled on 21 August 2026, exposes a complex web of unchecked financial privileges that has enabled top officials, including the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, to enjoy unlimited fuel and extravagant benefits, raising serious questions about financial governance.
Fuel Privileges on Excessive Levels
Among the most striking revelations is the Speaker’s staggering fuel consumption, which surged to an average of 6,122 litres per month in 2024, resulting in expenses totaling Rs 26.05 million just that year. In addition, the Deputy Speaker is spotlighted for drawing Rs 8.55 million for fuel on a private vehicle over two years, an expenditure surpassing established limits for similar public officials. The report notes that the Deputy Speaker’s official vehicles also exceeded their fuel allocations significantly.
Salaries Without Scrutiny
One particularly alarming aspect of the audit is the inflation of the Secretary General’s salary, which has ballooned by approximately 800% since its last parliamentary approval in 2004. The financial implications of this unauthorized salary hike have raised constitutional concerns, with the Auditor General emphasizing that this development has created an unwarranted financial burden on the public purse.
Unwritten Agreements and Transport Expenses
Further compounding these issues are the long-standing transport arrangements for Parliament employees. Since 2016, Rs 335.66 million has been spent on a bus service operating without any formal contract, rendering financial oversight virtually non-existent. This unchecked spending prompts significant reflection on the level of accountability at the highest levels of governance.
Foreign Travel, But No Reporting
The audit exposes a further lack of accountability in the realm of overseas travel. Between 2016 and 2024, Rs 208.9 million was budgeted for sending 451 MPs abroad through various parliamentary associations. Surprisingly, there was no requirement for returning MPs or staff to submit reports, leaving the door wide open for inefficiencies and potential misuse of public funds.
Call for Reform
The audit report advocates for a comprehensive review of outdated legislation governing Parliament’s operations, specifically pointing to the necessity of aligning with modern financial management laws. With the Treasury allocating nearly Rs 3.5 billion annually to operate Parliament, the findings present a clarion call for strengthening financial controls and instituting rigorous oversight mechanisms.
This damning audit shines a spotlight on the urgent need for greater accountability in Parliament’s financial practices. As the country grapples with myriad economic challenges, the expectation is clear: Parliamentary officials must adhere to the same standards of financial propriety they impose on the public sector.