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Sri Lanka
10th Parliament· 154 sittings on record · 30,475 speeches · latest 10 June 2026

Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney at Law, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Colombo

Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs

Profession: Attorney-at-Law

Roster profile ↗
Speeches 125 #36 of 225·#17 in party
Attendance 7/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Parliamentary Procedure 64 speeches
Last spoke 9 June 2026 in Debate

Activity by sitting

47 sittings · counts only, no scoring.

Topic focus

AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.

Speech history

125 speeches
  • 19 February 2026 AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala supported the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment), stating that it strengthens penalties for methamphetamine offences and closes legal gaps for prosecuting drug interdictions on the high seas. He outlined the Government’s anti-drug programme, including supply-chain action against international traffickers, district-level public security committees, voluntary rehabilitation centres, measures to destroy seized drugs promptly, possible bail restrictions for traffickers, and asset freezes under the Proceeds of Crime Act. He also criticised Opposition claims about drug prevalence, court access, and other allegations, arguing that the Government is implementing a comprehensive enforcement and rehabilitation strategy. Debate (continued): Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill and Judicature (Amendment) Bill Justice & Human RightsPublic FinanceLaw & Order Read →
  • 17 February 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister supported repealing the Parliamentary Pensions Act, No. 1 of 1977, arguing that it created an unjust benefit for MPs compared with ordinary public servants. He traced the law’s enactment and subsequent amendments in 1982, 1985 and 1990, stating that they expanded pensions to MPs’ spouses and children and further entrenched the scheme. He said the repeal would end a long-standing system that allowed elected representatives to receive pension benefits after short periods of service. Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Debate Parliamentary ProcedureCorruption & Governance ReformPublic Finance Read →
  • 6 February 2026 AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala defended the extension of Emergency Regulations as a limited, disaster-related measure following the “Ditva” cyclone, asking the Opposition to identify any misuse beyond relief and essential services coordination. He also cited the Supreme Court determination on the Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill as confirming the Government’s electoral mandate to repeal the 1977 pensions law by simple majority. He rejected claims that the Government had acted against Buddhism or other religions, and challenged Namal Rajapaksa to pursue a threatened defamation case over alleged underworld links so the matter could be tested in court. He further stated that criticism of the proposed Resident Protection Bill was inconsistent because a similar Bill had been introduced by the previous Government in 2024. Debate: Extension of Emergency Regulations (Cyclone Ditwah) Religion & CultureLaw & OrderSecurity & Defence Read →
  • 6 February 2026 AI summary On behalf of the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, the Deputy Minister tabled a written answer providing complaint data on financial cybercrimes from 2023 to 2025. The data showed increases particularly in online banking fraud, phishing, investment scams, and other related offences, linked to wider use of social media, online payments, mobile banking, online businesses, and freelancing. The answer stated that no Northern Province-specific pattern had been identified, but islandwide methods include impersonation, social engineering, fake bank links, online marketplace fraud, romance scams, and use of third-party bank accounts. It also noted that there is no centralized mechanism to monitor and classify such crimes across districts or provinces, and that the data is not publicly accessible or shared with financial institutions. Oral Question: Financial Cybercrimes (Q.1012/2025) – Second Round Law & OrderJustice & Human Rights Read →
  • 6 January 2026 AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala said the Dicha cyclone had ended, as stated by the Defence Secretary, but post-disaster operations were continuing. He argued that the current emergency regulations are proportionate to the disaster situation and asked the Opposition to identify any misuse of them, while distinguishing the present regulations from past abuses of emergency powers. Citing casualty and displacement figures as of 1 December 2025, he called for a short extension of the regulations and rejected claims that the Government was creating a police state or interfering with police operations. Debate: Public Security Ordinance Resolution and Delimitation Motion Security & DefenceLaw & OrderCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
  • 6 January 2026 AI summary Based on documents under review, legal action will be taken if unlawful use or violations of the agreement are established. The statement signals an intention to enforce the agreement through legal proceedings where breaches are found. Oral Question: OIC Official Residence and Land at Yatiyantota Police Station (Q. relating to Dr. Nandana Millagala) Justice & Human Rights Read →
  • 6 January 2026 AI summary Sunil Watagala stated that the lease in question was executed through the Yatiyantota Divisional Secretary. He said that if the lease conditions have been breached and not enforced, steps can be taken, including having the property revert to the State since it falls under the Divisional Secretary’s authority. Oral Question: OIC Official Residence and Land at Yatiyantota Police Station (Q. relating to Dr. Nandana Millagala) Land & Housing Read →
  • 6 January 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister, replying on behalf of the Minister, stated that the Yatiyantota property used as the OIC’s official residence has no recorded formal handover date to the Sri Lanka Police and was leased in 2013 to a party for residential and agricultural purposes during regularization of railway reserve lands. He said State Lands law applies, referred to a 2015 letter from the Yatiyantota Divisional Secretary tabled as Annex 01, and noted there is no information it was officially assigned for political activities or that police received complaints about alterations or unauthorized construction. Oral Question: OIC Official Residence and Land at Yatiyantota Police Station (Q. relating to Dr. Nandana Millagala) Law & OrderLand & Housing Read →
  • 26 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala stated that he had read all the relevant material. No further argument, proposal, question, or policy position was presented in the excerpt. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 26 November 2025 AI summary Sunil Watagala requested that an answer still be provided despite the allocated time having expired. No substantive policy issue, legislative matter, or specific question was included in the recorded intervention. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2026 - Committee Stage, Sixteenth Allotted Day Security & DefenceParliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 24 November 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala referred to a document submitted by Hon. Chanaka on 8 August concerning the Moratumulla Police, indicating it was being addressed within the relevant public security or parliamentary process. His remarks appear to place the matter on record and signal attention to the issue raised. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Law & Order Read →
  • 24 November 2025 AI summary Sunil Watagala responded to an issue raised by Hon. Mujibur Rahuman, stating that it had already been discussed over several days and resolved. He clarified that the matter regarding a clearance certificate occurred under the previous administration, not the current one. Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Transport, Highways, Ports, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 20 November 2025 AI summary The Hon. Sunil Watagala challenged the authenticity of a document tabled by Hon. Chanaka, stating that his copy appeared to be a “Telephone Directory of Public Security Committee Chairmen” with “Moratuwa Police” handwritten on it. He objected to presenting such material in Parliament and urged that allegedly fake documents not be brought before the House. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 20 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala objected to the tabling of what he described as a misleading document, stating that a request from the Moratuwa Police listing Public Security Committee Chairmen may be a directory but is not connected to Police Clearance requirements. He urged Members not to mislead the public by presenting such documents as evidence for unrelated claims. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Parliamentary ProcedureLaw & Order Read →
  • 20 November 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister clarified that applicants for Police Clearance Certificates do not require any recommendation or approval from a Public Security Committee Chairman. He said a Grama Niladhari certification is sought only if an issue arises, while routine residence verification is handled by the relevant police officer through the Grama Niladhari. He stated that any contrary advice from officials is incorrect and reiterated the subject Minister’s earlier position. Committee Stage: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Head 119 (Ministry of Energy) Cut Motion and Debate Law & Order Read →
  • 18 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala intervened briefly to point out that another person was present on the side of an unwell female Member. The remark appears to have been a procedural or observational comment during proceedings rather than a substantive policy contribution. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 18 November 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala responded to concerns about the Dehiwala statue, stating that its removal occurred before the current Government took office and was carried out under the Samagi Jana Balawegaya. He said the Government has allowed the statue to be returned and criticized attempts to link the Dehiwala and Trincomalee issues to religious extremism. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Law & OrderReligion & Culture Read →
  • 18 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala, Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, made a brief closing remark and thanked the House. No substantive policy issue, proposal, or question was raised in the excerpt. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 18 November 2025 AI summary Many Opposition claims are unfounded, particularly regarding the Sambuddha Jayanthi Viharaya matter, which is before the Magistrate with a status quo order and concerns land boundaries, not religion. He said Police transfers fall under the IGP’s constitutional powers and the relevant Commission, with no political interference, and argued that the Government has worked to depoliticize the Police and Immigration and Emigration leadership. He stated that the current Police leadership has improved public trust and is targeting illegal arms and narcotics supply networks, including political links and foreign nodes, rather than only minor offenders. He also defended the 2025.10.27 circular on limiting improper public dissemination of operational material, saying it was lawfully issued to protect investigations. Committee Stage Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Defence and Public Security Expenditure Heads Law & OrderJustice & Human RightsSecurity & Defence Read →
  • 17 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala’s intervention is recorded only as prompting or noting laughter in the House. No substantive policy position, proposal, question, or legislative argument is reflected in the provided excerpt. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage Continuation (Foreign Affairs, Justice and National Integration) Parliamentary Procedure Read →