Deputy Minister of Public Security, Sunil Watagala, said he is ready to respond to the legal notice from MP Namal Rajapaksa demanding Rs. 1 billion in compensation, citing defamation.
Speaking in Parliament, Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala said that although he has not yet received the notice, MP Namal Rajapaksa must file a case within 14 days. He added that he welcomes the opportunity to cross-examine the MP in court.
“Since he has not practiced law in court, he may not be familiar with this. Defamation cases are the only type of case where the plaintiff can be questioned on matters beyond the scope of the case,” Watagala said.
He added that his questions would relate to the plaintiff’s character.
“I will then question if you possessed the required qualifications to enter the law college. Is your qualification from the City University in the UK real? Were you able to acquire the relevant qualification by sitting for the final year exam of the law college in a separate room? Are you and your family linked to various high-profile deaths, such as Thajudeen, Lasantha Wickremetunge, and Pradeep Eknaligoda? Is Julampitiya Amare your bodyguard? Did your father protect Nimal Lanza when the STF came in search of him? I will ask these questions in court,” the Deputy Minister said.
Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala warned that if MP Namal Rajapaksa fails to file the case, he will file a request in court for a cross-appeal and will seek compensation.
The Deputy Minister made the remarks after it was reported that MP Namal Rajapaksa had sought Rs. 01 billion compensation, claiming that a recent statement made by Deputy Minister Watagala at a media briefing in Homagama caused him reputational harm.
In his legal notice, MP Namal Rajapaksa alleged that the statement implied he was connected to the country’s drug supply network, thereby defaming him. (Newswire)
