President Anura Kumara Dissanayake highlighted the critical need for a robust procurement plan and enhanced authority for the National Procurement Commission (NPC) during a meeting held on October 28 at the Presidential Secretariat. The President engaged in detailed discussions with NPC officials, focusing on the flaws within the current procurement system that contribute to significant government losses.
Key Points Discussed:
- Government Expenditures Under-Processed: NPC officials pointed out that, ideally, about 60% of all government expenses, including capital investments, should adhere to standardized procurement procedures. Current lapses in these procedures, however, lead to major financial losses and increased risk of fraud and corruption.
- Challenges of Transparency and Efficiency: Issues like delays, inefficiencies, and lack of transparency were cited as ongoing challenges within the procurement process. The discussion covered specific concerns regarding handling unsolicited proposals and the need for better Public-Private Partnership (PPP) management.
- Strengthening NPC’s Authority: President Dissanayake emphasized expanding the NPC’s authority to ensure more systematic procurement planning. He underlined that a well-regulated procurement framework is essential to minimize vulnerabilities that could lead to malpractice.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, NPC Chairperson Sudharma Karunaratne, and other officials, who supported the President’s call for stronger procurement controls and policy reforms aimed at increasing transparency and reducing corruption in government spending.
With these reforms, the NPC aims to establish more effective systems that will enhance the transparency and efficiency of Sri Lanka’s procurement processes.
Updates from: PMD
Anura Kumara Dissanayake President's Media Division
Last modified: October 29, 2024
