Opposition MP Harsha de Silva says Sri Lanka urgently needs a modern procurement law to curb corruption, restore transparency in government contracts, and meet commitments made under the IMF reform program.
While stressing that serious concerns continue to surround Sri Lanka’s government procurement system, Opposition MP Harsha de Silva yesterday stated that the country urgently requires a new and modern procurement law.
Speaking during a policy discussion organized by People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), Dr. de Silva explained that introducing a transparent public procurement law is one of the commitments included in the reform agreement that the Sri Lankan government entered into with the International Monetary Fund under its economic recovery program.
He noted that many weaknesses still exist within the government procurement framework, particularly when examining issues related to corruption, accountability, and transparency in state purchasing and public sector contracting.
“Another major concern today is the failure to enforce the rule of law equally. There are corruption allegations against individuals within the government, yet no meaningful action appears to be taken. Meanwhile, those aligned with the opposition are often the ones facing arrest. Justice should not only exist in principle, it must be applied equally and consistently,” he said while addressing the discussion.
Dr. de Silva also pointed out that the current administration has not delivered on several key promises made during the election period. “The government promised that it would amend the extended fund facility agreement with the IMF. It also pledged to revise certain debt restructuring agreements. However, none of those commitments have been implemented so far. This is a situation that cannot be ignored or treated lightly,” he said while emphasizing the need for policy credibility and economic reform.
