Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala, has filed a defamation lawsuit in the Kaduwela District Court against Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) activist Mahinda Pathirana, seeking compensation of Rs. 10 billion.
The case alleges that false and defamatory statements made by Pathirana caused serious harm to Watagala’s reputation.
According to the plaint, the Deputy Minister claims that the statements were made deliberately with the intention of discrediting him personally and damaging his political career.
Watagala states that Pathirana published a Facebook post in September 2025 containing false and malicious claims alleging that the Deputy Minister owned a luxury apartment at the Cinnamon Life residential complex in Colombo.
The post further questioned the source of funds used to purchase the alleged property, suggesting that the money may have been obtained through bribery. Watagala has maintained that all such claims are entirely false and baseless.
The complaint further notes that Pathirana’s post cited a Facebook account under the name “Sachin Rathwatte,” the authenticity of which is also questioned in the filing.
Watagala has informed court that the post was widely circulated on social media, resulting in significant damage to his public standing and reputation.
According to the plaint, a letter of demand was issued to Pathirana requesting either a correction of the statements or payment of compensation. The complaint states that Pathirana did not issue any response or denial to the letter of demand. (Newswire)
