KOTTE MC MEMBER COMPLAINS TO BRIBERY COMMISSON

Alleges irregularities in Welikada multi-purpose project

Member of the Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte Municipal Council Ranjan Ponnaperuma has complained to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption on several irregularities in the Welikada multipurpose project.

The project costing Rs 2.3 billion undertaken by t he Municipal Council was intended to bring several state institutions under one roof. However, the member complained to the bribery commission that the municipal council was not authorised to spend more than Rs.2 million from the council funds for any project. He stated in his petition to the Bribery Commission that the mayor had violated the tender procedure applicable to the contracts. The MMC stated the mayor should have referred t he project report through the Western Prov-

He should have received at least seven tenders for evaluation However, in the case of this contract only three tenders had been received

ince Chief Secretary, for cabinet approval before calling for tenders.

He should have received at least seven tenders for evaluation. However, in the case of this contract only three tenders had been received. Meanwhile, the tenders of two consultant firms with more than 20 years experience had been rejected and the tender for Rs.9 million from a consultant firm with- out at least 10 years experience was selected as the successful tenderer. Among other irregularities was the advance payment of Rs.7 million to the consultant firm even before the inauguration of the project. The MMC said he made a complaint to the Bribery Commission against the Mayor, the Municipal Commissioner, Municipal Engineer and the Accountant who were responsible for the irregularities.

However, the Mayor Janaka Ranawaka who refused to accept the allegations said the project report was approved by the council and the member concerned was one of the members who voted for it.

He said the member concerned, who was displeased with the on going development in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, had maliciously made a complaint to the Bribery Commission.