COLOMBO -- Sri Lanka on Thursday appointed Samudika Jayaratne as its new Auditor General, marking the first time a female has assumed the country's top auditing post.

Jayaratne took office at the National Audit Office, becoming the 42nd Auditor General of Sri Lanka.

Speaking to the media after assuming office, Jayaratne said she is committed to strengthening accountability and transparency in public finance management.

Jayaratne began her career at the Auditor General's Department in 2003 and is an expert in public sector auditing and financial management. Her expertise spans banking, finance, insurance, taxation, treasury operations and debt management.