This is in reference to media reports regarding the introduction of body cameras for the police personnel. As a person, who presented a similar idea to the Government in 2019, I appreciate this initiative. I proposed not only for police body cameras, but also for installing surveillance cameras in all private and public buses, including reverse cameras for safety.
However, I am concerned about news reports that the Police Department plans to import 5,000 body cameras from China at a cost of Rs. 150,000 each. This price seems excessively high based on my knowledge and research.
From my findings, high-quality body cameras with night vision are available for under USD 50, which is approximately Rs. 15,000 per unit. At this price, the Government could purchase ten cameras for the cost of one at the quoted price.
I sincerely hope this is not a repeat of previous governments’ procurement practices where items were purchased at ten times their actual market value.
In light of this, I urge you to reconsider the procurement process and review the actual market prices before proceeding.
Jayantha Wedasinghe
