Officials from the National Audit Office informed the Committee on Public Finance that no statutory fund currently exists under the name “Rebuilding Sri Lanka”, highlighting the need to establish a statutory fund if the programme is to operate under a formal legal framework in the meeting led by Dr.Harsha de Silva recently.
Programme Operates Through Treasury Account
According to officials, the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” programme currently operates through an account maintained under the Deputy Secretary to the Treasury rather than through a legally established statutory fund.
Officials also informed the committee that no payments have been made through the account to date.
The clarification was made as the committee reviewed financial oversight and accountability arrangements relating to the programme.
Samurdhi Bank Audits Also Reviewed
The committee also reviewed the status of audits relating to Samurdhi Banks.
Officials said audits for 2023 and 2024 must be completed before the 2025 audit can proceed. They added that the procurement process required to outsource the audits has not yet been finalised.
The National Audit Office also highlighted the absence of a dedicated audit framework for Samurdhi Banks. In response, the Committee Chair recommended conducting a comprehensive study and submitting a proposed audit framework covering Samurdhi Banks and affiliated societies for review.
Last modified: June 6, 2026
