Shooting down allegations by JVP-led outfit Anti-Corruption Front that there had been massive corruption in the third phase construction of Central Expressway, Chief Government Whip and Highways Minister Johnston Fernando yesterday said that the project has not even  completed its procurement stage.

Addressing a press conference, Minister Fernando asked how could such allegations of corruption to the tune of billions take place in a project of which the procurement is not yet completed. “There are media reports quoting former JVP MP Wasantha Samarasinghe that corruption to the tune of millions of rupees have taken place in the third phase of the Central Expressway. There is no basis for those allegations because the project’s procurements are still in progress. One could raise any allegation after the completion of the procurement stage. They could even go before courts challenging the procurement process if there is anything wrong when it is completed. That is the law. In the same way, it is wrong to influence the procurement process. The JVP is doing just that. This is their way of influencing the procurement process,” the minister said.

Minister Fernando assured that there would be no room for any corruption under his watch in the construction of the Central Expressway. “I categorically state that there would be no chance for any corruption. Samarasinghe in his allegation has stated of a company by the name of MCC. Following his allegation, I inquired of this allegation from the Secretary to the Ministry. I was told that there was no such company bidding for the tender to construct the third phase of the Central Expressway and that procurement for that stage of construction was still in progress and none could state figures of any kind since we still have not given any tenders. 

• I categorically state that there would be no chance for any corruption