8 bidders for tabs; discussions only with two. WHY?

Colombo (News 1st): The Presidential Commission of Inquiry probing malpractices at state institutions recorded evidence on alleged corruption and irregularities said to have taken place at the Ministry of Education on the project to provide tabs to school students. Today's witness Senior Assistant Secretary for Procurement Mahesh Hewawitharana said the process calling for bids was postponed on 04 separate occasion citing various reasons. The witness said the bid of the selected supplier was priced at Rs. 7.4 billion, while the government allocation for the project was just Rs. 5 Billion. He said thereafter negotiations took place with the selected supplier and another supplier only - and it must be noted 08 suppliers put forward bids for this project. The witness accepted the fact, the appropriate measure was to negotiate with all 08 suppliers. These revelations that were disclosed at the presidential commission today, were previously exposed by News 1st. Likewise, News 1st also exposed several facts regarding the infamous Central Bank bond scam, which was later confirmed by the bond commission that was appointed by President Maithripala Sirisena. News 1st also is in possession several reports of the Auditor General, with regard to large scale fraud and corruption. Await detailed information on these matters in the near future...