Sri Lanka, Sept. 11 -- Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala stated that he is prepared to respond to the legal notice sent by MP Namal Rajapaksa demanding Rs. 1 billion in compensation for alleged defamation.

Speaking in Parliament, the Deputy Minister said that he has not yet received the notice, but that if the lawsuit is filed within the 14-day deadline, he would welcome the chance to cross-examine MP Rajapaksa in court.

The Deputy Minister stated that since MP Rajapaksa has not practiced law, he may be unaware that in defamation cases, the defendant can question the plaintiff on matters outside the scope of the case, focusing on their character.

He said he would ask questions regarding MP Rajapaksa's qualifications, in...