LocationsDigital Transformation in Government Procurement Takes Centre Stage
Pioneering a New Era in Procurement: Pilot Launch of the e-Procurement Monitoring System with Ministries and Special Spending Units
September 18, 2025
Ms. Sudharma Karunaratne, Chairperson of the National Procurement Commission and Ms. Marina Ten, Officer-In-Charge, UNDP in Sri Lanka launch the new site.
UNDP Sri Lanka
In a landmark move to modernise and improve transparency in public sector procurement, the National Procurement Commission (NPC), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka, with funding from the Government of Japan through the Japanese Supplementary Budget (JSB) has unveiled the pilot phase of the e-Procurement Monitoring System (ePMS). The new system, which will initially be piloted across Ministries and Special Spending Units, promises to overhaul traditional, paper-based procurement and monitoring processes, ushering in a new era of efficiency, transparency, accountability, and sustainable development.
Newly launched site of the NPC
UNDP Sri Lanka
Transforming the Procurement Landscape
For decades, government procurement monitoring has been characterised by lengthy paper trails, numerous phone calls, and complex email chains. This manual, fragmented approach has made it difficult to track progress, enforce deadlines, and maintain transparency. Recognising the urgent need for modernisation, the NPC, with support from its international partners, has spearheaded the development of a comprehensive digital platform designed to address these persistent challenges.
The ePMS is a robust, web-based platform crafted to automate procurement workflows, streamline compliance mechanisms, and enhance the accessibility of procurement data. By centralising procurement activities and providing real-time data access, the ePMS is set to revolutionise the way government entities plan, execute, and monitor their procurements.
Core Objectives of the e-PMS
The ePMS is built around a set of core objectives designed to ensure the highest standards of governance in public procurement:
• Automating Procurement Workflows: The system reduces reliance on paper-based documentation and manual processes, automating the procurement cycle from planning to monitoring. This shift not only accelerates workflows but also minimises the risk of human error.
• Ensuring Compliance and Accountability: By embedding the National Procurement Commission’s guidelines into every stage of the process, the ePMS introduces automated alerts and compliance checks. Government entities are thus compelled to follow established protocols and best practices, supporting a culture of accountability.
• Enhancing Transparency and Equity: Procurement data is centralised within the platform, and non-confidential information is made accessible to the public. This, in turn, will provide a level playing field for suppliers and service providers, fostering fair competition.
• Real-Time Data Access and Reporting: Stakeholders, including the NPC and government ministries, benefit from real-time procurement data and comprehensive reporting tools. This capability enables more informed decision-making and prompt responsiveness to evolving procurement needs.
• Supporting Sustainable Procurement Practices: The system integrates sustainability parameters, allowing procurement entities to align with national goals for environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
• Procurement Planning and Scheduling: Ministries can create, submit, and update both master and annual procurement plans within the ePMS. The platform manages schedules, cost estimates, and compliance requirements, thereby reducing project delays and ensuring the timely completion of procurement activities.
Ms. Sudharma Karunaratne, Chairperson of the National Procurement Commission and Ms. Marina Ten, Officer-In-Charge, UNDP in Sri Lanka speaking at the event
UNDP Sri Lanka
Piloting with Ministries and Special Spending Units
The pilot launch marks the beginning of an ambitious pilot phase involving ministries and special spending units, each selected for its pivotal role in national development. These institutions will serve as the vanguard, refining the system before it is scaled up and rolled out to all government entities.
According to the NPC, feedback from the pilot phase will be instrumental in tailoring the system’s functionalities and user experience to meet the unique needs of the nation’s public procurement landscape. The collaborative, iterative approach is designed to ensure that the ePMS is both robust and user-friendly by the time it is deployed nationwide.
The success of the ePMS project is deeply rooted in the ongoing project on ‘Promoting Economic Governance through Anti-Corruption Policy Support’. Both the Embassy of Japan and UNDP have played crucial roles in providing technical and financial support, sharing global best practices, and building local capacity.
Echoing this sentiment, Ms. Marina Ten, Officer-In-Charge, UNDP in Sri Lanka, commented, “This soft launch represents a milestone in our shared journey towards digitalisation and sustainable development. The ePMS is more than a platform; it is a catalyst for change, empowering Ministries to uphold integrity and accelerate service delivery. UNDP remains committed to supporting the full roll-out and capacity-building efforts needed to make this system a success.”
Mrs. Sudharma Karunaratne, Chairperson of the National Procurement Commission, added, “We are witnessing the beginning of a new chapter in public sector procurement. By leveraging technology, we can move beyond the limitations of paper-based processes, ensure compliance, and promote accountability at every level. Our gratitude goes to our partners from the Embassy of Japan and UNDP for their unwavering support. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a procurement system that is modern, transparent, and responsive to the needs of our people.”
Next Steps: Scaling Up and Building Capacity
As the pilot unfolds, the NPC and its partners are coordinating comprehensive training sessions for ministry staff, technical support resources, and a feedback mechanism to document lessons learned. By July 2025, approximately 170 officials, from accounting officers and administrative staff to procurement and development officers across ministries and special spending units, participated in these training programmes, building the expertise needed to maximise the system’s benefits. Beginning in January 2026, the system will be rolled out across all public institutions to ensure nationwide implementation.
Ongoing public awareness campaigns will ensure that stakeholders, including suppliers, service providers, and the general public, are informed about the opportunities and benefits offered by the new system. The NPC’s vision is to create a procurement environment where transparency, equity, and sustainability are not just goals, but everyday realities.
With the soft launch of the e-Procurement Monitoring System, the government takes a decisive step towards a digital future, where procurement is smarter, faster, and more accountable. By harnessing the power of technology and international partnership, the ePMS serves as a model for innovation in public service, setting new benchmarks for efficiency and integrity.
To access the new site, please click here.