Hon. Sunil Watagala, Attorney at Law, M.P.
Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs
Profession: Attorney-at-Law
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 2025 AI summary Moved that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair during the sitting. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Second Reading Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 17 February 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill, arguing that it is required to proceed with the postponed 2023 Local Government Elections in line with Supreme Court rulings. He said the previous administration unlawfully obstructed the poll by withholding funds and pressuring officials, leading to findings that constitutional rights under Articles 12(1) and 14(1)(a) were violated. He rejected Opposition claims that the Government was delaying or pressuring the Election Commission, stating that the Bill was brought promptly and that the Commission must conduct the election while respecting other legally required polls. Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill: Second Reading Law & OrderParliamentary ProcedureCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 22 January 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala said Clean Sri Lanka should be understood as a broad mandate-driven reform programme, not reduced to isolated enforcement actions. He reported that passport queues had been eliminated through an online appointment system and emergency fast-tracking process, pending further action after a related Court of Appeal matter. He said Police and STF operations were proceeding without political interference, citing recent seizures of drugs and illegal firearms, and argued that the Government was depoliticizing law enforcement and judicial appointments. He also stated that the PTA would be repealed through a Cabinet subcommittee process and that court-ordered removals in Kolonnawa would be handled with measures to provide affected families and traders with permanent solutions. Adjournment Debate: Clean Sri Lanka Programme (Postponed from 2025-01-21) Law & OrderJustice & Human RightsCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
- 9 January 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Watagala rejected the Opposition’s Motion on senior citizens’ deposits, taxation and the cost of living, arguing that the Government has been in office for only about 50 days and should be judged against its five-year mandate and stated policy programme. He accused former Ministers and MPs in the Opposition of lacking credibility, citing issues such as alleged misuse of vehicles, the President’s Fund, postponed local elections, and the “Krish” transaction. He said current Police vehicle operations are being conducted under a circular consistent with the Motor Traffic Act and that lawful businesses need not fear them. He also stated that rice imports had been arranged, that shortages should be reported to the Ministry, and that the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill had been presented to enable local elections to be held expeditiously. Adjournment Debate: Government Performance and Commodity Prices Cost of LivingLaw & OrderParliamentary Procedure Read →
- 9 January 2025 AI summary Sunil Watagala, Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, responded to a Point of Order concerning an alleged police assault raised by Sivagnanam Shritharan. He stated that he would inquire into the matter and report back to Parliament. Adjournment Debate: Government Performance and Commodity Prices Parliamentary ProcedureLaw & OrderJustice & Human Rights Read →