The President’s office has rejected recent social media and media reports as false, regarding the tender-based sale of government vehicles held on May 15.
The office clarified that the sale was conducted transparently under circular 05/2024, with an open government tender process announced via newspapers on April 23. A total of 108 bidders submitted their offers, and tenders were opened publicly at 11:00 a.m. on May 15.
Out of 26 vehicles offered, 17 were sold to the highest bidders who had quoted prices exceeding the official government valuations. Nine vehicles remained unsold as no bid met the minimum valuation. The total revenue generated from the sale was Rs. 200.1 million, surpassing the combined estimated value of Rs. 155.9 million.
The President’s Office alleges that organized groups are intentionally spreading misinformation to discredit the government, using media channels and social media influencers. It adds that such vehicles were previously misused and neglected under former administrations.
Complaints have already been lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over what it calls malicious and misleading reporting.
