The government has cancelled a controversial tender to procure electricity distribution units for use in the electronic identity card (e-ID) programme, following widespread criticism and a formal complaint lodged with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Digital Economy confirmed that the Department for Registration of Persons has withdrawn the tender, which was intended to supply plug base-type distribution units to Divisional Secretariats as part of the national e-ID initiative.
The tender initially called for the procurement of 700 Power Distribution Units (PDU) electricity distribution units, each priced at approximately Rs. 72,517, bringing the total estimated value of the contract to over Rs. 50.7 million.
Meanwhile, the Movement for People’s Struggle, represented by activist Wasantha Mudalige, filed a complaint with the Bribery Commission, alleging serious irregularities in the tender awarding process. According to Mudalige, Browns Engineering and Construction (Pvt) Ltd. was selected to supply the units, and he alleged potential fraudulent activity in the procurement of these devices for government offices.
At a recent Cabinet press briefing, when questioned about the matter, the Cabinet Spokesperson said that the procurement process allows any qualified bidder to submit a proposal and that making allegations without formally engaging in the tender process serves no constructive purpose.
