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.

I was to make the reply speech 10/3 in Parliament in d debate on energy crisis. Since I was expelled from d office, I made a written request on 7/3 seeking a time slot to speak. On 8/3, Office of Government Whip informed me that I cannot be permitted to speak. 1/3

— Udaya Gammanpila (@UPGammanpila) March 11, 2022

I then spoke to Minister Johnston. He said “Let’s see”. Later his office informed me that I cannot be permitted to speak as the list was full despite I had been the minister of energy until 3/3. I have already complained to the speaker seeking justice for me. (2/3)

— Udaya Gammanpila (@UPGammanpila) March 11, 2022

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 (3/3)

— Udaya Gammanpila (@UPGammanpila) March 11, 2022

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