Mudalige alleges irregularities in police body-camera tender
People’s Struggle Movement activist Wasantha Mudalige yesterday alleged that there were serious irregularities in the tender process initiated to purchase 500 body cameras for police officers and called for the procurement process to be cancelled and restarted. Addressing a press conference at the Frontline Socialist Party headquarters in Nugegoda, Mudalige said the decision to equip […]
Activist Wasantha Mudalige claimed on Tuesday that irregularities marred the tender process for purchasing 500 body cameras for Sri Lanka's police force. The People's Struggle Movement representative addressed a press conference at the Frontline Socialist Party headquarters in Nugegoda, voicing skepticism about the tender procedure.
Mudalige maintained that equipping police officers with body cameras was crucial, yet questioned the process used to procure them. He contended that the cameras should not merely be for police officers outside police stations, emphasizing the need for in-station security cameras in light of ongoing reports of alleged torture and deaths in police custody.
Mudalige pointed out several technical flaws in the tender document and alleged the Terms of Reference (TOR) sections appeared to have been generated using artificial intelligence. He questioned the lack of review and correction of the document before issuance, suggesting the technical specifications should have been meticulously prepared, adhering to Sri Lanka Police's requirements and international standards.
Mudalige also noted a significant price discrepancy, with bids ranging from approximately Rs. 50 million to Rs. 360 million for the 500 cameras. He pointed out a state-owned telecommunications company bid around Rs. 170 million while a subsidiary of the same firm offered around Rs. 60 million, questioning whether the technical specifications and standards were adequately defined.
Mudalige inquired why only 500 cameras were procured and whether the project was a pilot scheme leading to a larger purchase. He also raised concerns about internet facilities for the cameras and the involvement of a company linked to a government digitalization advisor, potentially introducing a conflict-of-interest issue. Mudalige urged for the tender's cancellation and a new procurement process, emphasizing the need for a thorough review and consultation with technical experts.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
