CID probe on Rs.1.3 bn purchase of communication equipment during 2016-2017

• Proper procedures not followed when importing the goods
• Some still in original packing while some others not functioning 

By Sunil Jayasiri

The CID, last week, launched an inquiry into the purchase of a large consignment of communication equipment worth Rs.1,300 million in 2016 and 2017 without following proper procedures, informed sources said. 

The sources said some of the equipment were not working while most of the packages containing the equipment had not been opened as yet.    

Sources also said the equipment had been imported in three consignments and bought from a company in Israel. “Preliminary investigations had revealed that the company, which sold the equipment, is no longer functioning,” sources said.  

Sources said a retired military officer is to be questioned in connection with the purchase of the equipment while the CID is also investigating an alleged involvement of a relative of a senior politician in the purchase.   Accordingly, some ten telephones purchased for the use of VIPs, are no longer working and that the proper tender procedures had not been followed when buying the equipment nor had they sought the expertise of armed forces personnel before buying this equipment. .

A retired military officer is to be questioned in connection with the  purchase of the equipment while the CID is also investigating an alleged  involvement of a relative of a senior politician in the purchase