Parliamentary proceedings turned tense as Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa engaged in a heated argument with the Speaker and ruling party members over parliamentary procedure, a sudden price hike of 12.5 kg LAUGFS gas.
The disagreement began when Premadasa attempted to raise the gas price increase as an urgent matter by invoking a procedural “point of order” under section 92(2), maintaining his right to speak on behalf of the public.
In response, the Speaker and ruling party members maintained that economic price increases do not constitute a valid procedural query. The Speaker ruled that points of order are strictly reserved for challenging procedural correctness during sittings such as during a vote or division rather than debating general grievances.
A prolonged heated argument ensued as the Speaker repeatedly instructed the Opposition Leader to either present his scheduled Standing Order 27(2) question or take his seat, while Premadasa pressed his case for transparency and public relief. (Newswire)
