Hon. Danushka Ranganath

Hon. Danushka Ranganath spoke in opposition to a postponement motion, defending the government's coal procurement process against allegations raised by the Opposition. He argued that the current tender process was conducted properly, attracting ten bidders — the highest number in the procurement's history — and contrasted this with multiple instances between 2009 and 2015 when previous governments bypassed tender procedures entirely. On coal quality concerns, he outlined the existing penalty framework, whereby shortfalls below 6,150 kcal/kg GCV attract either single or double penalties, and stated that these penalties are being enforced where applicable. He dismissed the Opposition's allegations as politically motivated, characterising their repeated motions — including on education reform and a no-confidence move against the Prime Minister — as attempts to obscure their own policy failures.