Varsity vehicle deal running roundabout?

By R.S. Keeriyawatte

The purchase of two motor cars and a cab by the Peradeniya University has been queried by the Auditors, as they had failed to keep to the original specifications quoted, university sources revealed.

The two Mitsubishi Lancer and Canter model vehicles had cost Rs. 18.5 million with full option facility and AC according to the lease agreement. But after delivery it was revealed that some of the facilities quoted were not available. The documents revealed that the vehicles had all the quoted facilities, but checks had proved otherwise, the auditors had revealed.

“The entire deal is questionable as the purchasing had been carried out by an officer from the finance section and a driver, whereas the Purchasing Officer was not involved and the leasing had been done with a company known to a particular officer,” university sources said.

The matter had been referred to the University’s Administration Unit and the Audit Section for investigations.