Opening ceremony of KMC’s new building clouded by allegations of corruption
The new building to house the Kandy Municipal Council (KMC) was declared open amidst distinguished gathering last week.
Unfortunately the glittering opening ceremony attended by the Governor of the Central Province Surangani Ellawela, Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake as well as Mayor Thusantha Mahendra Ratwatte--was clouded by allegations of tender irregularities because of the manner in which the tender for construction was awarded.
The former Leader of the Opposition - Niranjan Wijeyaratne- who resigned from the council only a month ago, called for a full and comprehensive inquiry as to how the building had been built on an "extended tender." He queried how construction continued, once stage one of the project - which cost Rs. 45 millionwas completed, without calling for fresh tenders.
Mr. Wijeratne charged that the KMC on six occasions, had approved and paid monies amounting to over RS. 165 million - far exceeding the amount for which the tender was originally awarded. He said once the original tender expired, construction work had con- tinued on an ' extended tender' which is against the basic principles of the tender system in the country.
UPFA member K.A. Ananda Sanath Kumar who heads the Council’s administration, confirmed Mr. Wijeratne’s allegations. He said blatant violations of the tender procedure had taken place and added he could not be held responsible if audit queries were raised regarding bills and payments.
Mr. Sena Dissanayake, deputy mayor promised that the allegations would inquired into and an investigation initiated. A member of the council who spoke to the Sunday Times on condition of anonymity said politicians were not always aware of tender procedure and it was the duty of the CEO or senior officers of the council to brief and guide them, to prevent violation and norms of tender procedure as well as other financial procedures governing local authorities, in the country.