September 25, Colombo (LNW): A high-stakes government tender for the supply of vehicle number plates has sparked controversy after the two lowest bidders were excluded on technical grounds, clearing the way for the priciest offer to move forward—potentially costing the state over Rs. 500 million more than necessary.
This development unfolds amid mounting pressure on the roads, with more than 200,000 vehicles estimated to be operating without proper number plates, raising both logistical and security concerns, according to a report by Daily Mirror.
The tender process, riddled with shifting conditions and protracted delays, has now hit a standstill, according to the report.
Both rejected bidders—Access International and Metropolitan Technologies—have lodged formal appeals with the Procurement Appeal Board. Access, the lowest bidder, reportedly sourced its aluminium from the globally reputed Aditya Birla Group, which has supplied material for Sri Lankan plates since 2009.
The controversy hinges on a technical test conducted by the University of Moratuwa, which allegedly found that the sample plates failed to meet the required elasticity standards. However, questions have been raised over the consistency and fairness of the evaluation.
The Department of Motor Traffic defended the process, noting the same testing body was used in a previous tender. Still, critics argue that the rejection of the lowest bids undermines public trust in procurement procedures.
If awarded to the current highest bidder, South Asian Technologies, the state could be looking at a contract worth Rs. 2.59 billion—over half a billion rupees more than the lowest offer. With vehicle import restrictions now lifted and demand surging, the true financial impact could edge towards Rs. 1 billion.
All bidders have now been asked to extend their bid bonds, indicating further delays in resolving the impasse. Meanwhile, motorists remain caught in the middle of a stalled process with no clear end in sight.
