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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
  • 20 June 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala stated that he heard the relevant Minister say the previous day that an allowance had been received. He questioned whether a Chairman would have worked for Rs. 45,115 and suggested the matter be discussed after checking the Hansard record. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Public Finance Read →
  • 20 June 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala stated that the final circular dated 14 June 2025 from the Commissioner of Local Government does not specify whether votes to select provincial chairmen should be by open or secret ballot, but instead directs action according to the Commissioner’s legal powers and responsibilities. He argued that decisions on the voting method fall within the Commissioner’s discretion under the relevant law, and that Members disputing that authority should challenge it in court rather than raising unsupported claims in Parliament. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Parliamentary ProcedureCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
  • 20 June 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala alleged irregularities in the “Siriliya Saviya” bank account associated with Shiranthi Rajapaksa, citing alleged false information, missing mandate documents, suspended transactions, and balances and transaction totals under investigation. He stated that the Criminal Investigation Department had investigated the matter but that the file was now with the Attorney General’s Department, and demanded that the investigations be resumed under the National People’s Power Government. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Justice & Human RightsCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
  • 20 June 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala cited several alleged Rajapaksa-related corruption cases, stating that Rs. 1,528 million from the CSN case was credited to the Treasury, Rs. 35 million was taken from the Urban Development Authority for the construction of Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s parents’ tombs, and Rs. 208 million was recovered in relation to Basil Rajapaksa’s Malwana house. He argued that these recoveries indicate a substantial total amount linked to corruption allegations and referred to documents concerning the “Siriliya Saviya” account. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Public FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
  • 20 June 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala rejected allegations raised by another Member and argued that a previous commission targeting Ananda Wijepala and Anura Kumara Dissanayake was politically motivated and intended to remove their civic rights. He stated that the Court of Appeal and subsequent Supreme Court proceedings rendered that commission unlawful or inoperative, vindicating those targeted. He also questioned recoveries to the Treasury arising from Bribery Commission investigations involving the Rajapaksa family and referred to CSN ownership in that context. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Justice & Human RightsCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
  • 20 June 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala responded to allegations raised by Hon. Namal Rajapaksa and Hon. Chanaka Madugoda regarding payments made to Mr. Ananda Wijepala when he served as Director of the Secretariat of the Committee on Eradication of Corruption. Citing the tabled documents and appointment letter, he stated that the cited Rs. 1.2 million amounted to Rs. 45,115 per month over 30 months and consisted of allowances, including a telephone allowance and fuel entitlement, while the officer’s regular salary continued to be paid by his ministry. He argued that the same documents showed similar allowance arrangements for other officials and challenged those making allegations to remain in the Chamber to hear the response. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Public FinanceCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
  • 18 June 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala argued that the controversy over local authority mayoral and chairman elections concerned the discretion of the relevant official under Section 48A(6) of the Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act, No. 22 of 2012, rather than the regulations cited by the Opposition. He challenged the Opposition to identify any regulatory requirement that a pre-meeting poll must be conducted openly, stating that the Act permits an open or secret ballot for electing a Mayor or Chairman. He also referred to outcomes at the Colombo and Kolonnawa Municipal Councils, saying some councillors from the Opposition supported the National People’s Power due to concerns over candidate suitability and allegations before the Bribery Commission. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Parliamentary ProcedureLaw & Order Read →
  • 18 June 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister said the regulations on foreign judgments, long requested including by Opposition Members, would complete the legal framework needed to give effect to such judgments once approved from the Gazette. He also criticized the Opposition for shifting debate to recent local authority election outcomes, particularly in relation to the Colombo Municipal Council, and for challenging and allegedly intimidating public officials such as the Provincial Commissioner of Local Government over lawful decisions. Debate: Orders under Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act No. 49 of 2024 Justice & Human RightsParliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 17 June 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala argued that opposition members walked out after the Colombo Mayor election result and were now challenging a process they had accepted before losing. He said the secret ballot had been requested by an opposition councillor and unanimously approved by the Council, and cited Section 66C of the Provincial Councils Elections (Amendment) Act, No. 22 of 2012, to state that the Provincial Commissioner presides over the first sitting and the mode of election may be decided by members present. He defended the Provincial Commissioner’s conduct, criticized attacks on her after the vote, and said the government would protect public officers who act according to law without fear. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sports Regulations Law & OrderCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
  • 17 June 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala addressed the debate on regulations under the Convention against Doping in Sport Act, No. 33 of 2013, noting that the State Minister for Sports had presented the relevant details and that the line Minister was present to respond. He also referred to the Opposition’s walkout over an issue concerning the Speaker and questioned the reasons for their sudden change in position. Debate: Convention Against Doping in Sports Regulations Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 4 June 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala disputed allegations made against his party regarding members’ contributions, stating that any contributions are made to a public party fund. He rejected claims involving Rs. 80,000 as false and argued that references to the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act and the Code of Conduct do not align with his party’s actual practice. Debate: Anti-Corruption Act Regulations Parliamentary ProcedureCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
  • 4 June 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala stated that allegations regarding 323 containers are already under investigation following a citizen’s complaint to the CID. He said the Fort Magistrate had ordered a broad inquiry and directed media institutions to submit unedited video footage, arguing that claims that no action is being taken are false. Debate: Anti-Corruption Act Regulations Law & OrderJustice & Human Rights Read →
  • 4 June 2025 AI summary Sunil Watagala rejected claims that no action had been taken in relation to a school incident handled by the Child and Women Abuse Prevention and Investigation Division. He stated that five statements had been recorded, police were involved, facts had been reported to court, and legal proceedings had commenced. He argued that inaccurate statements had unfairly placed the Minister in charge of Women and Children’s Affairs in a difficult position. Debate: Anti-Corruption Act Regulations Justice & Human RightsWomen & Children Read →
  • 4 June 2025 AI summary Sunil Watagala stated that he would inquire into the incident raised by another Member and report back to the House. Debate: Anti-Corruption Act Regulations Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 4 June 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala defended the Government against allegations of political vendetta, stating that anti-corruption actions are being pursued by independent institutions under the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023, and related regulations. He said the Government had repeatedly received a public mandate to “catch thieves” and referred to former Ministers being in custody, court proceedings over the “Containers 323” matter, and claims regarding a North Central Provincial Council vehicle auction. He also questioned whether an alleged sale of a parliamentary seat would fall within the scope of the anti-corruption framework, and urged the Opposition to stop spreading false claims and maintain proper conduct in Parliament. Debate: Anti-Corruption Act Regulations Justice & Human RightsCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
  • 4 June 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala supported the regulations issued under the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023, stating that aligned ministerial guidelines would strengthen enforcement and ensure accountability. He argued that opposition criticism reflected fear of anti-corruption action, cited recent allegations against government figures as smear campaigns, and said complaints and court processes should determine the facts. He emphasized that the regulations are intended to address white-collar corruption, including hidden assets, misuse of state funds, and laundering, with no exemption for any person. Debate: Anti-Corruption Act Regulations Corruption & Governance ReformLaw & Order Read →
  • 23 May 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala briefly thanked the Chair or the House and made no substantive remarks, proposals, or requests. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Parliamentary Procedure Read →
  • 23 May 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala briefly referred to the Consular Functions Act, No. 4 of 1981, noting that the Act’s definition of “diplomatic officer” is applicable. The intervention appears to clarify the legal basis or terminology being used in the debate. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Foreign Affairs Read →
  • 23 May 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala supported the Bill’s provisions enabling courts to receive and record remote testimony through contemporaneous audio-visual links, arguing that this would improve security, reduce transport costs, and speed up criminal justice proceedings, especially for high-risk prisoners and organized crime cases. He said existing criminal laws are insufficient to address organized crime and noted that the Ministry of Public Security has submitted a Cabinet memorandum to draft new legislation targeting organized criminal groups, including shootings and related offences. He also framed the amendments as part of the Government’s mandate to strengthen accountability and act against impunity. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Public FinanceLaw & OrderJustice & Human Rights Read →
  • 23 May 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala responded to Opposition criticisms before supporting the Bill, rejecting claims of politicizing Community Policing Committees and citing provisions in the Bill on taking evidence abroad, applications by witnesses or victims, and costs. He argued that the Government was giving effect to pending legal reforms, including measures to strengthen prosecution of white-collar and other crime, and said further amendments could be introduced if gaps remained. He stated that the Bill would help protect witnesses and use technology-driven procedures to prosecute offenders more effectively and uphold the rule of law. Debate: Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and Foreign Loans (Repeal) Bill - Second Reading Public FinanceLaw & OrderJustice & Human Rights Read →