Rs. 645 million spent on vehicle repairs at Presidential Secretariat in 2024

Colombo, Oct. 27 (Daily Mirror) - The Annual Detailed Management Audit Report (2024) pertaining to the Presidential Secretariat has revealed that over Rs. 645 million (a total of Rs. 645,336,774) was spent on vehicle repairs during the year 2024.

According to the report, 53 instances of repairs were observed during the year, with some vehicles being repaired 10 to 17 times within the same year. The audit further notes that repair expenses ranged from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 28 million per vehicle for 189 vehicles, whose assessed values were between Rs. 1 million and Rs. 40 million.

In response, the Chief Accounting Officer of the Presidential Secretariat stated that most vehicles owned by the Presidential Secretariat were manufactured before 2016 and have now exceeded 10 years of use.

He explained that these vehicles continue to be used for official duties and require frequent repairs to ensure the safety of officers. All maintenance, he said, is carried out according to procurement guidelines and technical recommendations, with rising costs attributed to the age and constant use of the vehicles.

The audit report recommends that the Presidential Secretariat maintain an optimal vehicle fleet and take measures to minimize maintenance costs in the future.

Meanwhile, the audit report has revealed that 29 vehicles registered under the name of the Presidential Secretariat could not be physically verified as of June 9, 2025.

According to the audit observation, no written evidence was presented to confirm whether these vehicles had been lost, transferred, or handed over to any institution or individual.

Commenting on the matter, the Chief Accounting Officer stated that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is conducting investigations to verify the physical existence of the 29 vehicles. However, the investigations have not yet been completed.