Gammanpila laments over lost opportunity to speak

by Amani Nilar 11-03-2022 | 4:32 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st); The former Minister of Energy, Udaya Gammanpila states that he was prevented from addressing the Parliament during the debate on the energy crisis.

Although he made a written request seeking a time slot to speak, the former Minister was informed by the Office of the Government Whip has informed him that he cannot be permitted to speak.

However, the Parliamentarian has subsequently spoken to the Chief Government Whip, Minister Johnston Fernando, who stated that he will consider, however was followed by him stating that the former Minister will not be permitted to speak as the speaker's list was full, despite him holding the portfolio of the Minister of Energy until 03rd March.

"I have been elected to parliament on SLPP ticket by people casting 136,331 votes. Denying my right to speak in Parliament by SLPP means denying my voters to express their hearts and minds. I respectfully expect the speaker to protect my right to speak in Parliament," the former Minister said in a tweet.

https://twitter.com/UPGammanpila/status/1502165471541743616 https://twitter.com/UPGammanpila/status/1502166585188171777 https://twitter.com/UPGammanpila/status/1502167280985456641