The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, because yesterday was a holiday, I intended to raise under Standing Order 27(2) a Question last Friday regarding substandard coal, but I was not allowed to raise it today. We were told to amend it. I now raise a Question of Privilege.

¶ 02 PRIVILEGE: Denial of permission to raise a Question under Standing Order No. 27(2).

¶ 03 Under Standing Order 27(2), all Questions notified to the Secretary-General should be included in the Order Book to receive Answers on a day not earlier than seven clear days after notice, except a Question ruled out of order. It also provides that, at the end, a matter of public importance may be asked by the Leader of the Opposition or a recognized party leader after due notice. Accordingly, I sought to raise, on 2026.03.03, the issue of coal supply and specifications.

¶ 04 The whole country now accepts that the coal shipments have been substandard. My Questions concerned: Norochcholai plant’s full generation capacity and stock build-up; production timelines, number of shipments, and required specification parameters for imported coal including ash content and volatile matter; why South African coal constrained maximum output and the resultant financial losses; the importance of real-time combustion data for quality measurement; and Government contingency measures to address the current production shortfall. I also queried, for example, what actions would be taken to compensate for lost generation due to missing the 900 GWh production target at Norochcholai, and asked for reverse calculations per ship based on gross calorific value contributing to 300 MW output. I further asked whether emergency coal procurement is being undertaken, reasons for it, procurement processes and specifications, and exact ash and volatile matter values for recent South African shipments against required standards, and definitions thereof. I was refused permission on the ground that the matter was covered by a postponement motion. However, as a party leader, I have a right to seek specific, quantitative information under Standing Order 27(2). A postponement debate does not substitute for precise Government answers and accountability.

¶ 05 Therefore, rejecting my Question impedes my parliamentary duties and privileges as Leader of the Opposition, and undermines the public’s right to accurate information on the electricity crisis, which directly affects the national economy, public finances and lives. It contravenes the principle in Section 3 of the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act guaranteeing freedom of speech, debate and proceedings. I kindly request that you inquire into this and take necessary action. I also respectfully request an opportunity to raise the Question within this week.