Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala has demanded Rs. 2 billion in damages from SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa, escalating a war of words between the two over alleged defamatory remarks.
The demand, issued on September 22 through Attorney-at-Law Manjula Balasuriya, comes in response to an earlier letter sent by Namal Rajapaksa’s lawyer, Attorney-at-Law Sankha Karunaratne, seeking Rs. 1 billion from Watagala. Rajapaksa claimed that a statement made by the Deputy Minister at a media briefing in Homagama had tarnished his reputation by linking him to the country’s drug supply network.
Rejecting the claim, Watagala’s counsel argued that no defamation had occurred, insisting Rajapaksa was “not of reputable standing” as he already faces indictments filed by the Attorney General over the alleged misuse of Rs. 70 million in the Krish transaction. Counsel further said no statement made by Watagala could have damaged Rajapaksa’s reputation under such circumstances.
The reply warned that if legal action was pursued, a counterclaim would be filed and cross-demands pressed, with all legal costs sought from Rajapaksa. Watagala’s fresh demand now seeks Rs. 2 billion in compensation for the “defamatory and baseless” accusations contained in Rajapaksa’s earlier notice, to be paid within seven days or face civil action.
