Sri Lanka, Sept. 15 -- Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala denied allegations circulating on social media that he had purchased a luxury residence at the Cinnamon Life complex.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Watagala dismissed the claims as "false and intended to damage" his reputation, stressing that all his assets and liabilities have been properly declared in his official asset disclosures.

"These fabrications are part of a coordinated smear campaign," he said, linking the allegations to his recent efforts to expose drug trafficking networks and individuals allegedly connected to them.

Watagala said he was preparing to lodge a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and would pu...