The Ministry of Public Security has opened the ‘118 Public Security Service Centre’ to streamline public complaints related to institutions under its purview. 

The centre was inaugurated at the Ministry premises under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala.

The new facility allows citizens to lodge complaints via the toll‑free 118 hotline or through the online portal 118.pubsec.gov.lk. 

Complaints can be submitted regarding institutions including the Department of Immigration and Emigration, the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, the Office of the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation, and the Civil Security Department.

Deputy Minister Watagala, addressing the media, said the hotline can also be used to provide tip‑offs on drugs and illegal firearms, with confidentiality assured. 

He added that citizens may use the service to draw the attention of the Minister or Deputy Minister of Public Security directly.

However, he cautioned that legal action will be taken against those providing false information through the hotline.

The initiative aims to strengthen accessibility and responsiveness in handling public grievances linked to national security and parliamentary affairs. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala has clarified misinformation surrounding his remarks on Police powers to conduct raids outside their jurisdiction.

Responding to reporters’ questions on his recent statement on whether the Police can conduct raids beyond their jurisdiction, Deputy Minister Watagala said the Police do have powers to do so.

He said, however, his statement at a meeting of the Coordinating Committee of the Maharagama Pradeshiya Sabha, was made after it was found that some Police officers had entered areas beyond their jurisdiction for personal motives, including bribes. 

“Police officers have the power to conduct raids beyond their jurisdiction. However, at present, we have found Police officers entering other areas under the guise of conducting raids, but in truth, seeking bribes and ransoms. They were found tampering with the weight of seized drugs and replacing the original suspect with others. Should we not act in instances such as these?” he said, revealing details of a recent incident involving two Police officers.

Deputy Minister Watagala further said that the relevant Police OIC had also informed that the two Police officers in question had stepped out of the Police station and engaged in the act without informing the station.

“This is evident that they had engaged in such an act for their personal motives. I wasn’t able to reveal all the details during that meeting. I only gave whatever details I could at that moment. I never said Police officers cannot conduct raids beyond their jurisdiction. I only questioned officers engaging in false raids in areas beyond their jurisdiction for their personal motives,” he said. 

Deputy Minister Watagala went on to state that his questioning had resulted in the original suspect being arrested yesterday and being remanded, adding that investigations are also underway against the two Police officers involved in switching suspects. 

His remarks follow a recent incident in which Deputy Minister Watagala was seen instructing police officers not to conduct raids without informing the officer in charge, during a district coordinating committee meeting. 

“There has been a complaint from the Public Security Committee that police officers entered an area under the jurisdiction of another police area,” Watagala said, questioning how the raid was carried out without notifying the officer in charge. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Public Security, Sunil Watagala, announced that 29 major drug suppliers providing narcotics to Sri Lanka have been taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

He made this statement while participating in the nationwide drug operation program held in Trincomalee.

“This is a business used to seek Easy Money. We know three businesses are connected to this. There is underworld crime linked with drugs. There is illegal arms trafficking linked with the underworld. Drugs, the underworld, and illegal weapons together have become this black business. This grew because political authority was behind it. Diyawanna (Parliament) is what nourished it. Their election campaigns were funded by the money coming through this black business,” he said. 

Highlighting the supply and demand aspect of the narcotics trade, the Deputy Minister said previous governments did not touch the supply network, but the present government has decided it must go to the top links of the supply chain.

“There are two components in this black business. One is the supply network. The other is the demand. They bring it by boat to the Trincomalee port. The young people here are used to take it. So we thought of eliminating the demand. The current government decided that we must go to the top links of the supply chain. These links were stopped at the seashore. These links were stopped at the airport. Our Police Department decided, and CID officers went to Indonesia, Nepal, and Pakistan, and by now arrests have been made. We have in our hands 29 of the strongest suppliers. Especially the criminals brought from Indonesia are confessing. As a result, some people are now in panic,” he added. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today assured Parliament that emergency regulations will not be used to suppress freedom of expression or criticism directed at the government.

Addressing concerns sparked by remarks made recently by Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala, the President said there was “unnecessary uproar” over the statement and insisted that public opinion will not be curtailed under emergency law.

He stated that neither he nor the administration is bothered by critical or unfavourable comments made against them, adding that existing laws are adequate to deal with defamatory content if required.

However, President Dissanayake warned that emergency regulations will be strictly enforced against anyone who disrupts public harmony, spreads fear among disaster-affected communities, or interferes with relief operations. He said such acts would be considered attempts to destabilize society during a national crisis.

“We will never use emergency regulations to suppress views or opinions. If there are defamatory remarks targeting me personally, they will be dealt with under normal laws, as I have said before,” he said.

The comments came after Deputy Minister Watagala directed police officers to use emergency provisions against individuals, including those abroad, who allegedly spread false or malicious content on social media targeting the President and government ministers.  (Newswire)

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The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), together with its affiliate, the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA), has urged Sri Lanka’s government to honour its pledge to uphold freedom of expression.

In a statement, the groups raised concerns over a Sri Lankan minister directing police to use emergency powers against individuals criticising the country’s president amid the country’s worst natural disaster in decades. 

According to the statement, speaking at a meeting with police officers on December 3, the deputy minister of public security, Sunil Watagala, claimed “malicious attacks” against Sri Lanka’s president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and senior ministers were being circulated online, particularly from Sri Lankans residing abroad. During the meeting, the minister warned that if the alleged defamation continued, Sri Lankan authorities would invoke the Public Security Act. Emergency powers under Section 5 of the Public Security Act allow wide restrictions on information during crises.

Despite the minister’s comments, the Sri Lankan President has pledged that the Act would not be used to silence legitimate criticism or dissent.

The SLWJA has criticised the minister’s proposed directive as an attempt to suppress freedom of expression under the guise of disaster management.

The directive comes as Sri Lanka grapples with responding to the devastating impacts of Cyclone Ditwah, which passed through the island nation on November 28, killing at least 474 people and leaving at least 356 missing. Nearly 1.1 million people have been impacted nationwide, with the president describing the disaster as the most challenging in Sri Lanka’s history.

Amid the disaster, IFJ has been advised by its Sri Lankan affiliates that some journalists and media workers reporting the cyclone’s destruction and its fallout are continuing to place themselves at undue risks for the sake of securing stories. Some media reports had also fallen prey to publishing unverified information, fake news and sensationalist coverage, which only served to exacerbate rather than help recovery efforts. The IFJ strongly advises that media workers follow the IFJ Charter on climate action, which emphasises ethical environmental reporting.

The IFJ and its Sri Lankan affiliates remind journalists of the critical importance of upholding professional reporting and exercising extreme caution while reporting on natural disasters. All information and claims should be thoroughly fact-checked before publication to avoid doing further harm or creating undue stress for an already suffering population. So too, journalists should remain vigilant of their own safety in the course of their reporting and remind that no story is worth dying for.

SLWJA said: “In the backdrop of several prior instances where the government has threatened media freedom during the past year, SLWJA strongly condemns the Deputy Minister’s statement.”

The IFJ said: “The media has an enormous responsibility to report and deliver professional and ethical news, especially in times of crisis, and the government should continue to support the public’s right to know and its right to freedom of expression.” (Newswire)

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The Internet Media Action (IMA) has expressed concern and objection over the statement made by Deputy Minister for Public Security Sunil Watagala calling for action under emergency regulations against those slandering the President on social media. 

Issuing a statement, the organization said that the Deputy Minister had issued the directive during a discussion held on December 2 at the Malabe Divisional Secretariat with the participation of a group of public officers and Deputy Minister of Mass Media Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne.

According to the statement, the Deputy Minister stated that through Social Media or any other media, ‘malicious character assassination attacks’ are being launched targeting the President and a few others in the political authority. He further stated that it is not possible to carry out ‘false opinions – misrepresentations’ physically, online, or through AI technology. 

The organization further claimed that the Minister also stated that those who do so should be subjected to severe punishment under the currently imposed Emergency law, treating them not as suspects but as accused.

Our position is that this statement constitutes a serious threat to the freedom of expression (FOE), a fundamental right of the citizens of Sri Lanka. Furthermore, any attempt to use the Emergency law, which is said to have been imposed for disaster management, to suppress political criticism is an abuse of power and constitutes a violation of the fundamental rights of the citizen. This is a highly dangerous attempt to deliberately suppress freedom of expression(FOE) and to restrict fundamental rights. Criticism is not a crime, and attempting to punish criticism out of fear is the most serious harm that can be done to democracy, it said. 

“We, as Internet Media Action (IMA), are deeply concerned about the intimidation and self-censorship that may be caused to social media activists-citizens by this. Therefore, we state that the statement made by Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala must be unequivocally withdrawn, and that freedom of expression(FOE) is a fundamental human right that cannot be restricted or suppressed by Emergency law or any other legal provisions, and the Government must clearly state its position on this matter,” the organization added. (Newswire)

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A delegation from the International Department of the Communist Party of China visited the main headquarters of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) in Pelawatta, Battaramulla, yesterday (03) as part of an observation tour.

The delegation included Deputy Director General of the Information Centre of the International Department of the CPC, Kang Shuai, Associate Professor Jiang Wen of the Beijing Municipal Party School, and Director Zhang Guifeng of the CPC Information Research Centre, among others.

The group first visited the Colombo District Office of the JVP in Maharagama, where they held extensive discussions on the current natural disaster situation in Sri Lanka and the relief operations carried out for affected communities. 

The discussions were attended by NPP Members of Parliament Devānanda Suraveera and Lakmali Hemachandra, Maharagama Mayor Saman Samarakoon, Deputy Mayor Ranjani Naotunna, and Homagama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Kasun Ratnayake, among others.

Later, at the JVP headquarters, the Chinese delegation met with Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Sunil Watagala. 

They discussed in detail the emergency disaster situation Sri Lanka is currently facing and the assistance being extended by China to overcome these challenges. The Deputy Minister expressed gratitude for the support provided by the CPC leadership. 

Kang Shuai noted that China, too, has faced numerous natural disasters and has managed them successfully, while also explaining the development plans undertaken by the Chinese government. The delegation highlighted that China is currently implementing the CPC’s 15th Five-Year Plan.

To further strengthen cooperation between the Communist Party of China and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, the CPC representatives in Sri Lanka also donated books to the JVP headquarters. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Public Security, Sunil Watagala, has instructed the Police to take action against those spreading defamatory statements about the President on social media during the prevailing disaster situation. 

During a meeting with Police officials, Sunil Watagala ordered the Police to initiate action under the provisions of emergency law. 

“Spreading false and defamatory statements during a disaster situation is a punishable offence. The President is being badly slandered on social media. Arrest those responsible under the emergency law and initiate legal action against them,” the Deputy Minister said, issuing the directive.

However, in his recent state address, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had emphasized that emergency regulations are intended only for disaster situations and will not extend to other concerns. (Newswire)

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The National People’s Power (NPP) has filed a case at the Colombo District Court seeking compensation of Rs. 100 million from former Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Tissa Attanayake, for making a false statement about the government.

Speaking to the media, Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala said PM Harini Amarasuriya had filed a case at the court against Tissa Attanayake in September 2024. 

“He made false statements against the NPP before the Presidential and Parliamentary elections. One such statement made on social media was that the NPP government was going to suspend the Kandy Perahera. In August 2024, as an SJB representative, Tissa Attanayake claimed that PM Harini had said that the government would suspend the Kandy Perahera,” the Deputy Minister said. 

Stating that the claim was false and that the government had conducted the Perehera after assuming power, Sunil Watagala said that a case has been filed seeking compensation from the former MP. 

“A significant negative impact has been faced due to this false statement. As such, we are seeking Rs. 100 million in compensation. Tissa Attanayake should get ready to pay this,” he added. (Newswire)

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A Sri Lankan Parliamentary Delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Sunil Watagala, attended the 151st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), which was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 19th to 23rd October 2025.

The delegation, including Members of Parliament Oshani Umanga, Shantha Padmakumara, Mohammed Faizal, Hesha Withanage, and the Secretary-General of Parliament, Kushani Rohanadeera, participated in the Assembly held under the theme “Upholding Humanitarian Norms and Supporting Humanitarian Action in Times of Crisis.”

Against the backdrop of ongoing global humanitarian challenges, the Assembly brought together hundreds of legislators from around the world to deliberate on the role of Parliaments in safeguarding international humanitarian law, strengthening multilateral commitments, and ensuring effective humanitarian response in times of conflict and crisis.

During his intervention at the General Debate, Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala highlighted Sri Lanka’s experience in humanitarian response and crisis management. He emphasized the importance of preparedness, coordination, and adherence to humanitarian norms, citing the 2004 tsunami as a defining moment that underscored Sri Lanka’s resilience and the vital role of both local and international humanitarian cooperation.

MP Mohammed Faizal attended the workshop on “Reducing Methane for Climate and Clean Air: Is it Getting the Attention it Deserves?”. In his remarks, he reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s strong commitment to combating climate change, highlighting national initiatives such as the Carbon Net Zero 2050 Roadmap and Strategic Plan, the Clean Sri Lanka Project, and the country’s pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. He noted that Sri Lanka’s environmental policies reflect the nation’s vision of sustainable development and intergenerational responsibility.

MP Oshani Umanga participated in the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, where she addressed the session on “Parliaments and Gender Equality: Achievements and the Way Forward.” She outlined Sri Lanka’s continued progress in promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive governance.

MPs Shantha Padmakumara and Hesha Withanage actively contributed to the discussions of the Standing Committees, thematic panels, and workshops held during the Assembly, sharing Sri Lanka’s perspectives on issues including food security, migration, climate action, and parliamentary oversight.

Secretary-General of Parliament, Kushani Rohanadeera, participated in the Association of Secretaries General of Parliament (ASGP) sessions and other related meetings held alongside the Assembly.

On the sidelines of the event, the Sri Lankan delegation held a bilateral meeting with the delegation of Nepal, led by Rt. Narayan Prasad Dahal, Chairperson of the National Assembly of Nepal. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries in areas such as Parliamentary exchange, education, tourism, and cultural relations.

The delegation also met with the Chairman of the Standing Committee on International Affairs and National Security of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, Sergei Aleinik. The discussions centred on enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in the fields of education, with emphasis on scholarship opportunities for Sri Lankan students in medicine, information technology, and engineering. Both sides also exchanged views on promoting inter-parliamentary collaboration, facilitating high-level exchanges, and expanding trade relations between the two countries.

The 151st IPU Assembly concluded with the adoption of key resolutions and reports at the final session of the IPU Governing Council on 23rd October 2025, reaffirming the collective commitment of Parliaments worldwide to uphold humanitarian norms, promote peace, and advance sustainable development. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Public Security, Sunil Watagala, has sent a letter of demand requesting Rs. 2 billion in compensation from Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa.

This letter of demand was sent on September 22, 2025, by Attorney Manjula Balasuriya on the advice of Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala.

According to media reports, the letter of demand has been sent in response to an earlier letter dated September 10, 2025, in which Attorney Sankha Karunaratne, acting on behalf of MP Namal Rajapaksa, demanded Rs. 1 billion in compensation from Sunil Watagala.

Attorney Sankha Karunaratne sent the initial letter of demand claiming that a statement made by Sunil Watagala during a media discussion had damaged Namal Rajapaksa’s reputation.

In response, Sunil Watagala’s legal counsel stated that his client had not made any defamatory remarks, pointing out that Namal Rajapaksa is not a person of reputable standing, and that the Attorney General has already filed indictments against him for the alleged misuse of Rs. 70 million in the Krish transaction.

Therefore, it was argued that no statement made could have harmed his reputation, and the letter of demand dated September 10, 2025, was formally rejected.

The response also stated that if legal action is pursued, a counterclaim will be filed, and the case will proceed with cross-demands. All legal costs related to these proceedings will be sought from Namal Rajapaksa through the court.

Due to the defamatory nature of the letter of demand sent to his client, Sunil Watagala is now seeking Rs. 2 billion in damages for the harm caused to his reputation, to be paid within seven days of the date of the letter. If the amount is not paid within that period, legal action will be initiated in the appropriate civil court, as per his client’s instructions, the response further said.

The Deputy Minister’s response comes after MP Namal Rajapaksa had sought compensation, claiming that a recent statement made by Sunil 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)

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Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala has submitted a complaint to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) regarding the spread of hateful and false statements against him on social media.

He stated that legal action will be taken under civil and criminal law against the individuals who created and circulated the statements via social media.

Recently, social media has circulated claims that Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala purchased a house in a residential complex in the Colombo area.

However, Deputy Minister Watagala clarified in a post on Facebook that this is a completely false and defamatory statement.

He emphasized that he has never engaged in any act that would damage the trust placed in him by his party or the public.

The Deputy Minister further stated that compensation will be claimed under civil law from the individuals identified as responsible for spreading the hateful and false statements. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala on Sunday denied allegations circulating on social media that he had purchased a luxury residence at the Cinnamon Life complex.

Watagala said the claims were false and intended to damage his reputation, adding that all his assets and liabilities have been properly declared in his official asset disclosures.

“These fabrications are part of a coordinated smear campaign,” Watagala said in a statement. He linked the timing of the campaign to his recent efforts to expose drug trafficking networks and those allegedly connected to them.

He said steps were being taken to file a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and that legal proceedings would be initiated under civil law to seek damages against those responsible for the false information.

Watagala also emphasized that while he supports the right to free expression, it must not be used to disseminate harmful or baseless accusations. (Newswire)

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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)

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has issued a legal notice demanding Rs. 1 billion in compensation from Deputy Minister of Public Security, Sunil Watagala, citing defamation.

The notice has reportedly been sent via registered post through Attorney-at-Law Sankha Karunaratne.

In the notice, Namal Rajapaksa claims that a recent statement made by Deputy Minister Watagala at a media briefing in Homagama caused him reputational harm.

He alleges that the statement implied he was connected to the country’s drug supply network, thereby defaming him.

Rajapaksa further states that his photograph was displayed during the briefing, intensifying the damage to his reputation. 

He demands Rs. 1 billion in compensation and warns that legal action will be taken if the payment is not made. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Sunil Watagala says the government will launch a fresh inquiry into allegations against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Speaking to reporters, Watagala said the government will take necessary steps to investigate accusations related to the Batalanda report, which was referenced in Wickremesinghe’s recent Al Jazeera interview.

He added that investigations will also be conducted into the Central Bank bond scam and the Easter Sunday attacks, both of which occurred during Wickremesinghe’s tenure as prime minister.

Watagala emphasized that the NPP government is committed to transparency and will take action on all accusations, where Wickremesinghe previously received political protection. (NewsWire)

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Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala was mobbed by the media today facing tough questions regarding the shooting that took place inside a Colombo Court Complex, in which underworld kingpin Ganemulla Sanjeewa was killed. 

Having visited the Hulftsdorp Court Complex following the shooting, the Deputy Public Security Minister was surrounded by media, raising questions on public safety and government action. 

Responding the Deputy Minister said investigations are underway into the incident and that several measures are being taken in this regard. 

However, the Deputy Minister refused to respond to questions regarding the occurrence of a shooting inside a court premise and the impact on public safety as a result, while he was later escorted away from the reporters. (Newswire)

Deputy Public Security Minister Sunil Watagala faces tough questions over the shocking shooting incident inside a high-security court pic.twitter.com/tnIzLGQVUv

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) February 19, 2025

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