In a landmark decision for gender equality and institutional leadership, Sri Lanka has appointed Samudika Jayaratne as the nation’s Auditor General, marking the first time a woman has assumed this prestigious position in the country’s history. The historic appointment was confirmed on Thursday at the National Audit Office in Colombo, where Jayaratne officially became the 42nd individual to hold this constitutional post.
Addressing media representatives shortly after assuming office, Jayaratne articulated her vision for enhancing accountability mechanisms and promoting greater transparency within Sri Lanka’s public financial management systems. Her appointment represents a significant milestone in breaking gender barriers within the South Asian nation’s highest governmental audit institution.
Jayaratne brings extensive expertise to her new role, having commenced her professional journey within the Auditor General’s Department back in 2003. Over her distinguished two-decade career, she has developed specialized knowledge across multiple financial domains including public sector auditing, banking operations, insurance frameworks, taxation policies, treasury management, and sovereign debt administration. Her comprehensive background in financial governance positions her ideally to oversee the nation’s audit functions during a period of economic recalibration.
This groundbreaking appointment has been widely interpreted as signaling Sri Lanka’s commitment to both gender parity in leadership positions and strengthened financial governance, particularly as the nation continues to navigate complex economic challenges. The selection of a highly qualified female professional to this traditionally male-dominated position sets a powerful precedent for women’s advancement in Sri Lanka’s public sector hierarchy.