August 12, Colombo (LNW): The Committee on Public Accounts (CoPA) has raised concerns over a significant increase in the bid for the Basnagoda Reservoir construction project.
The contractor’s bid of Rs. 2,093 million was raised by Rs. 254 million, reaching Rs. 2,347 million, based on recommendations from the Technical Evaluation Committee.
CoPA questioned the Irrigation Department’s payment processes, which reportedly did not comply with government financial regulations.
The committee highlighted that previous recommendations to rectify these procedures had not been implemented, prompting further scrutiny.
Additionally, CoPA examined irregularities involving 1,177 cheques worth Rs. 352.4 million issued in 2022, including issues with a Divisional Assistant improperly cashing payments.
The officials present admitted to calculation errors and double entries, assuring that corrective measures had been taken.
The Committee also discussed the Ging Nilwala project, which received an advance of 4.35% of the estimated cost, despite the project not commencing as planned.
The meeting was chaired by State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna and attended by several Members of Parliament.
