Reports have surfaced that more than 2,000 vehicles belonging to Sri Lanka’s provincial councils are unaccounted for, with sources from the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government confirming the ongoing investigation. Among the missing vehicles are several high-end luxury cars and jeeps, which were originally allocated for official use by various departments under the provincial councils.
The disappearance of these vehicles has been an issue spanning several years, with vehicles vanishing under unclear circumstances. The Ministry has launched an investigation to uncover the extent of the problem and locate the missing vehicles. Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, Professor Chandana Abeyratne, stated that he has instructed officials to take immediate action to recover the vehicles and hold those responsible accountable.
The Minister also pointed out that the misuse of provincial council vehicles has been a long-standing issue. Reports indicate that several vehicles meant for provincial council ministers and high-ranking officials were frequently used by lower-ranking officials and even private individuals with political connections. These actions not only caused significant losses to public resources but also raised serious questions about the management and transparency within the provincial councils.
According to the Central Provincial Council, audit information regarding 31 vehicles is missing. Furthermore, the Southern Provincial Council failed to account for the physical existence of 201 vehicles, including motorcycles, adding to the gravity of the situation.
The mismanagement is not confined to any one province. Sources have revealed that some vehicles were loaned out for unofficial purposes, while others were either sold off illegally or stripped for parts without proper documentation. The lack of clear records has made it increasingly difficult for investigators to track the movement and current status of these vehicles.
Auditor General W.P.C. Wickramaratne confirmed that a special audit is underway to examine the discrepancies and locate the vehicles. He emphasized that this audit aims to determine whether the missing vehicles were misappropriated, sold, or abandoned and to recommend measures to prevent similar losses in the future.
The Ministry of Public Administration has also noted that many of the missing vehicles were discovered in poor condition, stored in obscure locations, or without proper registration documents. Some vehicles, originally purchased with public funds, were found to have been transferred to private ownership without following legal procedures.
The investigation highlights the urgent need for reforms in the management of provincial council resources. To prevent further mismanagement, the government plans to introduce stricter controls, including digital tracking systems for vehicles, mandatory audits, and clear guidelines for the use of government assets.
This large-scale disappearance of vehicles not only signifies a failure in governance but also serves as a reminder of the pressing need for accountability and transparency within public institutions. The findings of the ongoing investigation are expected to shed more light on the extent of the issue and pave the way for necessary reforms.
