MP Udaya Gammanpila, who was recently removed from his cabinet portfolio, said he was not allowed to speak in Parliament by the ruling party.

He said it was Chief Government Whip Johnston Fernando who prevented him from speaking in Parliament.

"I was to make the reply speech 10/3 in Parliament in the debate on energy crisis. Since I was expelled from the 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," Gammanpila tweeted today.

He also added, "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.

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."