• Market value cumulatively estimated at around Rs. 600 m

The second phase of the Government vehicle auction seeking to auction 27 luxury vehicles conducted by the Presidential Secretariat is currently underway, with sealed bids scheduled to be opened on Thursday (15), according to Additional Secretary to the President (Transport) Mahesh Hewawitharana.

The Sunday Morning estimates that the current market value of these vehicles can be cumulatively valued at around Rs. 600 million.

Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Hewawitharana confirmed that the vehicles would be awarded to the highest bidders, in line with standard Government tender procedures.

“These are Government-imported vehicles and although they were brand new at the time of acquisition, most are now over 10 years old,” he explained.

“Some were manufactured before 2006 and several are no longer in running condition,” he added.

Despite their age, the vehicles are largely high-end models, with engine capacities exceeding 1,800 cc for petrol and 2,300 cc for diesel. 

“They are primarily luxury vehicles,” Hewawitharana noted. 

These vehicles are available for inspection at the Salusala premises on Jawatte Road in Colombo 5 until Wednesday (14) and tender documents can be obtained from the Finance Division at the Presidential Secretariat (Sema Building, second floor) between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on working days, also until Wednesday.

While each vehicle has been assigned a market value, those figures remain confidential and will only be revealed when the sealed bids are opened.

“Valuations were carried out by a committee comprising officials from the Government Valuation Department, along with accountants, engineers, and subject matter experts,” he said. “They assessed the vehicles based on their physical condition, usage history, and comparisons with similar models in the current market.”

When asked about the total revenue expected from the auction, Hewawitharana said it was difficult to estimate due to the wide range in vehicle conditions and types. “Given the age and status of the vehicles, we cannot provide an exact forecast,” he noted.