CID probe on Rs.1,300 Mn purchase of communication equipment

The CID, last week, launched an inquiry into the purchase of a large consignment of communication equipment worth Rs.1,300 million in 2016 and 2017 without following proper procedures, an informed source said.

He said some of the equipment were not working while most of the packages containing the equipment had not been opened as yet.

A senior police officer said the equipment had been imported in three consignments and bought from a company in a Middle Eastern country. “Preliminary investigations had revealed that the company, which sold the equipment, is no longer functioning,” he said.

The officer said a retired military officer is to be questioned in connection with the purchase of the equipment while the CID is also investigating an alleged involvement of a relative of a senior politician in the purchase.

He said some ten telephones purchased for the use of VIPs, are no longer working and that the proper tender procedures had not been followed when buying the equipment nor had the advise of police or military intelligence service personnel whose expertise had been sought when buying this equipment. (Sunil Jayasiri)