FINANCE DIVISION

The Accounts Division serves as the financial custodian and central control mechanism for the Department of Buddhist Affairs (DBA), ensuring all financial activities adhere strictly to the Government of Sri Lanka’s Financial Regulations, Treasury Circulars, and established accounting standards.

Core Mandate and Responsibilities

The primary role of the Accounts Division is to manage, control, and report on all funds allocated to the Department under the annual budget. This encompasses a rigorous focus on accountability, transparency, and the efficient utilisation of public funds to achieve the Department’s spiritual, social, and cultural objectives.

Detailed Functional Areas

1. Budgetary Control and Fund Management:

   • Expenditure Management: Controlling and authorizing expenditures across all functional units of the Department, ensuring adherence to approved budget allocations for each Vote/Expenditure Head.

   • Fund Disbursement: Managing the timely and accurate disbursement of funds for all approved projects and activities, including temple development grants, Dhamma school aid, and infrastructure maintenance.

   • Budget Preparation: Assisting the Department’s senior management in the preparation and submission of the Annual Budget Estimates (Revenue and Expenditure) to the Ministry and the Treasury.

2. Financial Reporting and Accountability:

   • Statutory Reporting: Preparing, presenting, and submitting comprehensive Annual Financial Statements, including the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and the Annual Appropriation Account, to the Auditor General.

   • Internal Auditing Support: Collaborating closely with the Internal Audit Division to ensure robust internal controls and respond promptly to audit queries and management committee recommendations.

   • Progress Reporting: Submitting timely monthly, quarterly, and semi-annual financial progress reports to the Treasury and relevant oversight bodies.

3. Treasury Operations and Cash Management:

   • Revenue Collection: Overseeing the collection and proper accounting of departmental revenue, including fines, fees, and lease income from properties under the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance.

   • Bank Reconciliation: Performing regular reconciliation of all departmental bank accounts.

   • Imprest Management: Managing and controlling the Department’s Advance Account (Imprest).

4. Payroll and Personnel Payments:

   • Salary Administration: Processing and managing the accurate and timely payment of salaries, allowances, and other emoluments to all departmental staff (permanent, contract, and casual employees).

   • Statutory Deductions: Handling and remitting all statutory deductions, including W&OP (Widows’ and Orphans’ Pension Scheme), EPF, and ETF, in compliance with government regulations.

5. Voucher and Bill Processing:

   • Processing and verification of all payment vouchers, including those related to travel expenses, overtime claims, utility payments (water, electricity, telephone), and supplier invoices, before final approval and disbursement.

By effectively executing these duties, the Accounts Division plays a critical role in supporting the financial health and governance of the Department of Buddhist Affairs, enabling the seamless execution of its mandate across the island.