Activist Wasantha Mudalige says the government has officially cancelled a controversial tender for the supply and delivery of 700 industrial-type power distribution units for the Electronic National Identity Card (e-NIC) project, following a complaint lodged with the Bribery Commission.
The Movement for People’s Struggle, represented by Mudalige, alleged irregularities in the awarding of the Rs. 50.7 million contract to Browns Engineering and Construction (Pvt) Ltd. The group questioned the justification for the unit price of Rs. 72,517 under a state-funded programme.
Mudalige claimed the procurement process lacked transparency and accused authorities of attempting to discredit whistleblowers rather than investigating the alleged misconduct.
A letter dated June 6 indicated the ministry’s intent to award the tender to Browns. However, a subsequent letter dated July 14 confirmed the cancellation and stated that bid securities would be returned to the bank.
Both letters were released to the media by Mudalige. (Islandnews)
