The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) recorded an income of Rs. 40 million from the public auction of 50 old vehicles. The auction was held at the Colombo Port on Thursday.
On an earlier occasion too, old vehicles were auctioned,but, the tender procedure was flawed with shortcomings. As a result of these malpractices, the SLPA failed to sell used vehicles according to their real value.
The Ports Authority later discontinued the practise of disposing of vehicles through the tender procedure and took measures to auction vehicles at a public auction,
It has also been revealed that 67 bidders at the auction were also satisfied with the decision of conducting a public auction, rather than following the tender procedure, as it eliminates racketeers.
Ports and Shipping Minister Arjuna Ranatunga said most of the vehicles that were auctioned were purchased by the previous regime. But, these vehicles had been removed from use within a short period due to various defects. The Sri Lanka Ports Authority is estimating the financial loss incurred due to the purchasing of these vehicles.
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