Sri Lanka digital contracts face scrutiny over alleged secrecy surrounding transport, railway and highway technology procurements.
Questions over Sri Lanka digital contracts have triggered fresh controversy in the information technology sector, amid allegations that major state technology procurements remain hidden from public scrutiny.
Concerns have emerged over billions of rupees reportedly tied to digital projects promoted as part of Sri Lanka’s digital economy drive. Critics claim key details about successful bidders and procurement procedures have not been disclosed.
In the past, companies such as E-Wis, Epic Lanka and JIT were publicly associated with major government technology projects. However, questions are now being raised over why the identities of companies securing several current digital contracts remain unclear.
Sri Lanka Digital Contracts Under Scrutiny
One area attracting attention is the Bus Digital Ticketing System.
Although pilot projects have involved the private sector, the source article claims no public document clearly identifies the company that secured the contract for the complete technological system.
Questions have also been raised over the Railway e-ticketing Engine.
Online railway reservation services are already operating for passengers. However, the article alleges that the identity of the main technology contractor behind the system has not been publicly disclosed.
The Smart Highway Tolling System has also come under scrutiny.
According to the allegations, the procurement process for digitalising expressway toll collection has remained largely closed to both the public and the media.
These concerns have intensified calls for greater disclosure surrounding major state technology procurements and the financial values attached to them.
Questions Raised Over Omobio and Eimsky
The controversy also involves Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne.
Parliamentarian Prasad Siriwardana has alleged that several major government digital contracts went to Omobio and Eimsky Business Solutions, companies in which he claims the Deputy Minister holds shares.
Weeraratne, according to the source article, has maintained that he is only a shareholder and does not participate in the management of the companies.
However, critics argue that the circumstances still raise questions about a possible conflict of interest.
They are calling for authorities to clarify whether official influence played any role in awarding contracts linked to companies in which a serving Deputy Minister holds a financial interest.
No conclusion of wrongdoing is established by the allegations contained in the source material.
Calls for Full Procurement Disclosure
The controversy has also placed the government’s commitment to e-Procurement and transparency under renewed scrutiny.
Critics argue that promises of transparent digital procurement mean little unless the government publishes details about contractors, tender procedures and project values.
They are demanding answers to three key questions.
First, when will authorities publish the names of contractors awarded digital projects during the past 23 months?
Second, what procurement procedures did authorities follow, and what is the total financial value of those projects?
Third, will an independent investigation examine alleged irregularities involving contracts linked to companies connected with the Deputy Minister?
The growing debate now centres on one central issue: whether Sri Lanka’s push towards a digital economy will also deliver greater transparency in the way public technology contracts are awarded.
For critics within the technology sector, disclosure remains essential. They argue that public money requires public accountability, particularly when major contracts involve services used by millions of Sri Lankans.
