Government Fulfilling Promises Made to Public, Deputy Minister Watagala Says

Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala said the Government was continuing to fulfil the promises it made to the public within two years of assuming office.

He made the remarks while participating in the opening of a house in Maligawatta that had been developed under the “My Place, A Beautiful Life” housing assistance programme launched in connection with World Habitat Day 2026. Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salley also participated in the event.

Referring to the 160th Police Day, Watagala said authorities had succeeded in bringing 74 organised crime suspects and individuals involved in drug trafficking back to Sri Lanka after they were arrested overseas. This figure was also cited by the President at the 160th Police Day commemoration.

Watagala said that when the 159th Police Day was commemorated the previous year, only a limited number of suspected underworld figures had been arrested, whereas within approximately one year, authorities had brought 74 such suspects back to Sri Lanka from overseas.

He said the Government believed its programme to combat organised crime was being successfully implemented.

Watagala also criticised opposition groups, saying they were attempting to create various issues and slogans when they lacked other matters on which to campaign. He said some had targeted the Prime Minister and the Speaker with various statements.

Referring to the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, Watagala said various fears had been created about the proposed amendment but that it was ultimately passed by Parliament with a special majority. Parliament passed the amendment on September 25, 2026, with 158 votes in favour and 63 against.

Turning to the Government’s housing programme, Watagala said the Government had been able to provide a home to a family without a house in the Maligawatta area.

He said a nationwide programme was also being implemented to provide 5,000 houses to the public during the day in connection with World Habitat Day.

Watagala said the Government had made a number of promises to the public before the election and was now taking steps to fulfil those commitments.

He said the Government believed it had been able to move forward successfully as an administration accountable to the people by delivering on the promises it had made.

He added that the housing programme was only one of the commitments made to the public and that numerous other promises were being implemented through the respective ministries.

Watagala said the Government could be satisfied with the progress made as it marked two years in office and pledged that the remaining promises would be fulfilled systematically in the period ahead.