Government loses over Rs.1Bn due to frauds related to vehicle registration

24 March 2025 07:35 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 9 Bookmark

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Colombo, March 24 (Daily Mirror) - The government has incurred a loss of Rs. 78.15 million due to the failure of charging the prescribed fees for the registration of 296 motorcycles falling under the engine capacity category of 201 to 450, a statement from the parliamentary media unit said today.

It was disclosed at the meeting of the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) of Parliament that 3,088 motorcycles had been registered without Cabinet approval and legal documentation required for registration.

The discussion focused on the Auditor General's reports for 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 of the Department of Motor Traffic and its current performance.

COPA also paid attention to fraudulent vehicle registration certificates issued by incorporating the engine and chassis numbers of illegally imported vehicles into pre-existing registered vehicle numbers. It was revealed that this had resulted in a loss of Rs. 1.2 billion to the government.

Additionally, the committee examined the fraudulent issuance of vehicle registration certificates for unused vacant registration numbers by the Department of Motor Traffic, which had caused a loss of Rs. 6.2 million to the government. Moreover, the misuse of diplomatic vehicle registration numbers to register other vehicles had led to a financial loss of Rs. 122 million. The Auditor General emphasised the importance of making the public aware of these matters.

Following an inquiry into the corruption, fraud, and irregularities that have occurred within the Department of Motor Traffic, the committee recommended that disciplinary actions be taken against all responsible officials and that the progress of these actions be reviewed monthly. It was also recommended that the relevant legal enforcement authorities take necessary steps to implement the law regarding any criminal activities that had taken place,” the statement said.

Comments - 9

Cassie Monday, 24 March 2025 07:51 PM

If people did their jobs this can be prevented. No point telling the public , what can they do. Find out who is irresponsible and fire them plus sue them for the loss of revenue. If even a fraction of these losses happened to a private company those employees would face such consequences, no?

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IN THE 80'S THERE WAS A CASE OF A PERSON WHO NEVER HAD ANY DRIVING LESSONS NOR EVEN SAT IN A VEHICLE TO HAVE GOT A LICENCE BY PAYING A PAGA AND TODATE HE HAS NEVER DRIVEN A VEHICLE ALTHOUGH HE GOT HIS Monday, 24 March 2025 08:06 PM

The discussion focused on the Auditor general's reports 2020-2023 of the Dept of Motor Traffic and its current performance!!. So can the previous corrupt govt and the AG during that time tell the people why these REPORTS were not followed through and action taken?. Why did the previous GOVT ignore the Auditor General's REPORTS and the COPA Committee's recommendations when they were in GOVT?. we can take it that this is an indication of another CORRUPT Feathering of MANY NESTS. As for the Dept. Of Motor Traffic, time ALL THE CORRUPT OFFICERS WHO WERE INVOLVED IN GRANTING REGISTERATIONS UDRING THE PERIOD 2020-2023 SHOULD BE GRILLED AND THE REAL CULPRITS SHOULD BE STOOD DOWN AND BROUGHT BEFORE A COURT OF LAW, as we the people and on behalf of OUR COUNTRY WANT JUCTICE served to the country. all suspects should be made to pay towards the recovery of these lost funds and those who owned the vehicles that were registered illegally should be made to pay too for oiling palms in the DEPT.

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Zarook Monday, 24 March 2025 08:13 PM

No Action Talking Only (NATO). National Pacha Pava.

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Correction Monday, 24 March 2025 10:46 PM

True NATO describes all governments till NPP came to power, as these illegal activities were in 2020 - 2023 period.

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Thambiya Tuesday, 25 March 2025 06:26 AM

For Some stupids all crimes, corruption and daylight robberies that happened under the previous regimes is also due to a honest, down to earth government we have at present. All those who benefited by such corrupt regimes are the ones who are anti government now which very is obvious.

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Ronnie sparks Tuesday, 25 March 2025 04:04 AM

No system no proper procedures no law and order everyone will fill own pockets lankan way.....

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Ram P Tuesday, 25 March 2025 04:49 AM

No doubt the importers can be identified. Ask them to pay and if they fail go for their assets. If new laws necessary have them passed in parliament

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Viktor Tuesday, 25 March 2025 08:16 AM

All fraudulently registered vehicles should be impounded and auctioned. This will prevent the general public participating in such deals.

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Punchi Banda Jayasundara. Tuesday, 25 March 2025 08:29 AM

The conduct of the Commissiner General -DMT, at the meeting is a classic example of the quality of the socalled "PREMIER"Service of this country. (S.L.Admin S.). High time to recruit skilled professionals to all decision making positions.

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