Sources from the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government report that over 2,000 vehicles owned by provincial councils have gone missing over the years.
The missing vehicles include a significant number of luxury cars and jeeps, raising concerns about the misuse and mismanagement of state resources.
According to ministry sources, vehicles attached to various ministries and institutions within provincial councils have disappeared periodically. An investigation is currently underway to uncover details surrounding these missing vehicles.
Speaking on the matter, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, Professor Chandana Abeyratne, stated that he has directed officials to take necessary measures to locate the vehicles. He also acknowledged that numerous provincial council vehicles had been misused in the past.
The ministry has further revealed evidence that some luxury vehicles designated for the heads of provincial councils were misappropriated by lower-ranking officials with close ties to politicians.
In a related development, an audit report highlights that information regarding approximately 31 vehicles belonging to the Central Provincial Council has not been disclosed. Additionally, the Department of Audit states that details about the physical existence of 201 vehicles, including motorcycles, associated with the Southern Provincial Council remain unverified.
These findings underscore the need for stringent measures to ensure accountability and prevent future lapses in the management of public resources.
