By Roy Denish
KANDY, Sri Lanka — A luxury vehicle auction worth millions has stalled in Kandy, with bidders alleging deliberate delays, disputed valuations, and possible irregularities as an official audit inquiry intensifies and a critical Treasury deadline looms.
Luxury SUV Auction Stalls in Kandy
A highly anticipated public auction of luxury SUVs by the Central Provincial Council has ground to a near-halt, sparking allegations of irregularities from frustrated bidders as a key financial deadline approaches.
The auction features high-value vehicles, including Toyota Land Cruiser V8s and Prados, previously assigned to the province’s former governor, chief minister, and cabinet ministers.
However, the process has reportedly remained stalled for nearly three months.
Bidders Accuse Officials of Deliberate Delays
Buyers who submitted formal bids in accordance with the council’s initial pricing guidelines have accused officials of deliberately delaying the release of the vehicles.
Sources within the provincial council indicate that officials are considering cancelling the current round of bidding and calling for fresh offers.
Officials reportedly claim that the initial independent valuations of the ultra-luxury vehicles were too low.
Internal Audit Inquiry Launched
The prolonged delay has already triggered an official internal audit inquiry into the handling of the vehicle sale.
The situation has also raised concerns among investors who have tied up significant amounts of capital in the bidding process.
Three-Month Deadline Approaches
Under the terms of the auction, all transactions were required to be completed within a three-month period.
With that deadline fast approaching, bidders allege that local authorities are intentionally delaying the transfer of millions of rupees intended for the central government’s General Treasury.
Nearly 180 Competitive Bids Submitted
The auction has attracted approximately 180 competitive bids.
Some offers have reportedly exceeded current market values because of strong local demand for imported luxury vehicles.
Prospective buyers are said to include a prominent politician from Matale, a well-known local vehicle dealer, and a development officer employed by the provincial council in Pallekele.
Attempt to Remove Vehicle From Auction Alleged
The proceedings have already attracted public scrutiny.
Local media reports previously exposed an alleged attempt by a high-ranking political secretary within the council to remove one luxury vehicle from the auction list for personal use.
Following media coverage, the vehicle was returned to the Provincial Ministry of Industries garage.
Chief Secretary Unavailable for Comment
Efforts to contact Central Provincial Council Chief Secretary Ajith Premainghe for comment were unsuccessful.
According to Kandy Prime News, Premainghe declined multiple telephone calls, with representatives stating that he was unavailable because of ongoing meetings.
