Treasury cautions state institutions over tenders

Despite strict regulations being issued earlier to all publish  procurement notices with a total cost over Rs 200 million as requested by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), most of the state institutions have failed to publish them on the digital platform, the Treasury said.

According to a circular issued by the Department of Public Finance of the General Treasury, the measure was taken to ensure transparency and accountability under e-Government Procurement (e-GP) digital platform where procurement activities, procurement of goods, works and services, and management of contracts are listed and accessible to the public.

"It is expected that all procuring entities adhere to the requirements. Regrettably, it is noted that only a few agencies have taken action  to publish the requested information," E.A. Rathnaseela, Director General of the department noted in the circular.

Noting instructing Heads of the Departments to fulfill the requirement as matter of priority, the senior official also noted that "IMF enhanced financial facility has identified this as a request to be fulfilled by the Government of Sri Lanka"

As per the guidelines issued earlier, all state institutions are required to publish details of procurement activities and awarding of contracts exceeding Rs 200 million from May 1 onwards. The relevant procurement entities are requested to register on e-GP portal to facilitate this process.

The circular also stressed that when it comes to appointing Project Committees and Technical Evaluation Committees by the Finance Department, adhering to the procurement publications and regulations will be examined by the Department.