Former Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila has been prevented from addressing Parliament.
MP Gammanpila said he had intended to deliver a reply speech in Parliament yesterday during the debate on the energy crisis.
As he was expelled from office, he had made a written request on Monday (07) seeking a time slot to deliver his speech.
However, on Tuesday (08), the Office of the Government Whip had informed that he cannot be permitted to speak in Parliament, MP Gammanpila revealed.
Stating that he had contacted Minister Johnston Fernando in this regard, MP Gammanpila said as the Chief Government Whip, Minister Fernando had said ‘Let’s see”.
“Later his office informed me that I cannot be permitted to speak as the list was full, despite me having been the Minister of Energy until 3rd March,” he said.
The former Minister of Energy said that he has already filed a complaint with the Speaker seeking justice.
MP Gammanpila pointed out that he had been elected to Parliament on a Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) ticket by people casting 136,331 votes.
“Denying my right to speak in Parliament by the SLPP means denying my voters the right to express their hearts and minds,” he further said.
Former Minister Udaya Gammanpila added that he respectfully expects the Speaker to protect his right to speak in Parliament. (NewsWire)