According to COPA, 103 of the 160 train compartments brought from India have yet to be used.
The purchase of tires and other spare parts for Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses has become problematic in the current competitive market due to price increases, according to the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA).
This was revealed recently (05), when the Public Accounts Committee met under the chairmanship of Member of Parliament (Prof) Tissa Vitharana to examine plans developed by the Ministry of Transport and Highways to provide efficient transport services to the general public in the midst of Sri Lanka’s current economic crisis.
According to COPA, 103 of the 160 train compartments brought from India have yet to be used.
Officials from the Ministry of Transport and Highways briefed the Committee on the Ministry’s plans. Members in attendance inquired about bus quality and bus operation issues.
Officials stated that in today’s competitive market, purchasing bus accessories has become difficult due to rising prices. According to the officials, there have been issues, particularly in making purchases after calling for tenders.
They also stated that, while public transportation should be improved, it has become difficult for a public institution to purchase equipment at current prices and receive profits.
There was also discussion about the postponement of the importation of railway compartments that were supposed to be imported to Sri Lanka under Indian loan subsidies in 2017. COPA specifically questioned officials about the non-use of 103 of the 160 railway compartments purchased. As a result, officials stated that the vacuum brake system is in use in this country, and some of the train compartments use the air brake system.
The MPs inquired as to who authorized the purchase of non-compliant train compartments. As a result, it was stated here that the officers are accountable for the decisions made.
The committee also discussed providing diesel to private buses via SLTB depot filling stations. Officials specifically stated that some private buses obtain diesel from these fuel stations and resell it at a higher price. They claimed that selling diesel at a higher price is cheaper for bus owners than running buses on the route.
As a result, the committee stated that this situation should be managed and the public should not be inconvenienced, and that a system should be developed to check whether the buses that pump fuel from the depot filling stations are operational. The possibility of using G.P.S. technology on buses was also discussed here.
Furthermore, it was revealed that, despite spending USD 1,056,555 on the Sri Lanka Railway’s Master Plan in 2017 thanks to Asian Development Bank financial grants, the amount was not included in the ministry’s budget or financial statements. As a result, the COPA was advised to receive a report on the subject. A discussion was also held about combining railway transportation with new technology.
Members of Parliament present included Hon. Tissa Attanayake, Hon. Lasantha Alagiyawant to, Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle, Hon. Niroshan Perera, Hon. Duminda Dissanayake, Hon. Weerasumana Weerasinghe, Dr. Upul Galappaththi, Hon. B.Y.G Rathnasekara