Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Matara

Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development

Profession: Politician

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 141 #28 of 225·#14 in party

Attendance 2/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

141 speeches

20 March 2026 AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti said the Government had prioritized fuel allocation to 21 industrial and service sectors, especially exporters and value-chain institutions, rather than individual vehicles, to keep the economy functioning during the fuel crisis. He provided figures on institutional requests, CPC load approvals and sectoral allocations, and said mechanisms through companies, associations, Divisional Secretaries and relevant ministries were being used to address micro-entities and special cases. He stated that the Government aimed to keep the economy open, protect export and tourism markets while maintaining neutrality in the wider conflict, and would table detailed fuel allocation documents in Hansard to show actions taken. He also thanked public officers and ministries involved in coordinating essential services and industrial fuel distribution. Adjournment Debate (Continuation): Effects of Current Global Situation on Our Economy AgriculturePublic FinanceEmployment Read →
19 March 2026 AI summary A motion was moved to adjourn Parliament. The Chair then proposed the question on the adjournment motion. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic and Security Crisis Parliamentary Procedure Read →
19 March 2026 AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti said the regulations under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act aim to provide predictable, rules-based processes to attract investment, noting that only three investments materialized before December 2024 but that these have since progressed and over 150 businesses have registered. He attributed earlier delays to corruption and administrative uncertainty, and said the Government is targeting USD 14 billion in FDI by 2026 while advancing hospital, education, mixed-use, residential and commercial projects. He outlined measures including a high-level economic management committee, a six-week clearance window, and an Industrial Facilitation Centre as a Single Window to reduce approvals previously involving over 21 agencies. He also addressed concerns about local firms, litigation, and fuel supply stability, stating that lawful investment and industrial operations would be facilitated while maintaining fair competition. Debate: Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act Regulations Approval Public FinanceInfrastructureEmployment Read →
17 March 2026 AI summary Parliament was asked to approve facilities for CIABOC to conduct systematic investigations, with the Minister noting that concerns about probes can be referred to the now-independent Commission. He outlined government measures, led by the President and approved by Cabinet, to manage fuel allocations amid the Middle East conflict and QR reintroduction, including registration of industrial fuel needs, quota allocation through relevant ministries and CPC agreements. He said priority arrangements are in place for export industries, logistics, food distribution and tourism, including identity protocols for guides and tourist vehicles, and that ministers review allocations every two days to avoid disruption. Debate: Approval of Remuneration and Service Conditions of CIABOC Officers and Employees InfrastructureEmploymentPublic Finance Read →
6 March 2026 AI summary The Minister stated that factories are not closed arbitrarily and that any environmental concerns would be assessed with recommendations provided to achieve compliance. He requested the relevant details from the Member and undertook to examine the matter the same day. Oral Question: Small and Medium-Scale Factories Started or Closed Down in 2025 (Q.1177/2025) Public FinanceEnvironment Read →
6 March 2026 AI summary The Minister said sector-specific industry concerns are handled through 26 advisory councils in coordination with bodies such as the Export Development Board and BOI. He explained that previous concessional loan schemes had limited uptake because banks preferred their own products, leading to the integration of these schemes with Ministry of Finance facilities under a Rs. 95 billion allocation for the year. He stated that monthly reviews with banks, the Central Bank and Finance Ministry officials are being held to improve disbursement, with a further committee meeting scheduled for 11 March, and asked Members to refer SME credit issues to the Ministry for coordination. Oral Question: Small and Medium-Scale Factories Started or Closed Down in 2025 (Q.1177/2025) Public FinanceInfrastructureEmployment Read →
6 March 2026 AI summary The Minister provided statistics on factories opened and closed in 2025 in Ministry- and IDB-managed industrial estates, including sectoral details and whether they served export or domestic markets. He stated that 37 factories commenced operations while four closed, citing reduced demand, raw material shortages and financial distress as reasons for closures. He also outlined measures to promote SMEs and industry, including development and allocation of land in industrial estates such as Suriyawewa, Rambewa and Aluthepola. Oral Question: Small and Medium-Scale Factories Started or Closed Down in 2025 (Q.1177/2025) EmploymentInfrastructure Read →
3 March 2026 AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti supported the regulations easing limits on transactions through Foreign Currency Accounts and Personal Foreign Currency Accounts, stating that the increases in capital transaction caps reflect improved foreign exchange confidence and broader economic and political stability. He linked the policy to rising exports, tourism, remittances, investor interest, transparent PPP processes, and controlled vehicle import-related outflows, while arguing that public confidence had prevented panic during recent fuel queues. He said the Government would manage international risks, avoid abusing its parliamentary majority, and use the liberalisation to encourage reinvestment, strengthen markets, and sustain stability. Debate: Regulation under Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Foreign AffairsEmploymentPublic Finance Read →
3 February 2026 AI summary The Minister said the Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act would empower the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission to require operators to share passive and access infrastructure, including towers, power systems, cabling and radio access facilities, in order to reduce capital costs, unit costs and environmental impacts. He stated that core network sharing would remain prohibited for national security reasons, while shared infrastructure would support digitalization, 5G expansion and Sri Lanka’s positioning as a regional ICT hub. He also criticized the Opposition for requesting a debate on the Regulations but, in his view, not addressing their substance. Debate: Regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act (continued) InfrastructureEmployment Read →
20 January 2026 AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti presented the 2024 Annual Report of the National Crafts Council and moved that it be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Affairs and International Relations. The motion was put to the House and agreed to. Papers Tabled - Annual Reports Parliamentary Procedure Read →
6 January 2026 AI summary The Minister provided a tabular reply on the official vehicles assigned to the State Minister of Batik, Handloom and Local Apparel Products appointed in August 2020. He stated that three Toyota diesel vehicles were used from 12 August 2020 to 3 April 2022, each with a monthly fuel entitlement of 600 litres for travel outside the province. He detailed the monthly fuel usage and payments for 2020 to 2022 and indicated that the relevant annexed information was placed in the Library. Questions and Papers (Resumption after Adjournment) Public Finance Read →
18 December 2025 AI summary The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti clarified that the Rs. 200,000 assistance is not intended to fully revive affected businesses, but to help clean and prepare premises for reopening. He said further support, including insurance coverage and bank-backed revival packages, is being discussed with insurers and financial institutions through an inter-ministerial process. The proposed scheme is intended to apply to all affected industries. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah EmploymentPublic Finance Read →
18 December 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti praised President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s leadership during the disaster response, saying his direct coordination with officials and local representatives helped mobilize the state and the public under the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” effort. He commended the Disaster Management Centre, Defence Secretary, ministry officials, District and Divisional Secretaries, Grama Niladharis, and volunteers, noting that many worked despite personal losses and heavy pressure. He argued that the response showed strong national unity and voluntary public service, and expressed confidence that Sri Lanka could move quickly from relief to recovery. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Corruption & Governance ReformSecurity & Defence Read →
18 December 2025 AI summary The Minister presented the 2023 Annual Report of the National Design Centre to Parliament and moved that it be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations. The motion was put to the House and agreed to. Papers Tabled: Reports, Supplementary Estimate, Regulations, Orders and Performance Reports Parliamentary Procedure Read →
21 November 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti supported the Adjournment Motion on the salt shortage affecting Kinniya’s fisheries sector and said suitable areas for local salt production, including Vilveli and Kachchakoditheevu, had been identified. He proposed technical support through National Salt Limited, better laboratory, storage and worker facilities, organization of producer associations, and concessional loans of up to Rs. 25 million at about 7 percent interest for private salterns and related livelihoods. He asked local representatives to identify further sites and potential entrepreneurs through district coordination mechanisms, and suggested starting a model salt production unit in Vilveli to meet local demand. Adjournment Motion: Improvement of Facilities for Salt Production in Kinniya DS Division Public FinanceAgricultureEmployment Read →
21 November 2025 AI summary The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti moved that the Committee report progress and seek leave to sit again. The motion was agreed to, and the Committee reported progress with sittings scheduled to resume on Saturday, 22 November 2025. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Parliamentary Procedure Read →
21 November 2025 AI summary Moved an amendment to Programme 02 under Head 149 during the Committee Stage consideration of the Appropriation Bill, 2026. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Parliamentary Procedure Read →
21 November 2025 AI summary An amendment was moved at the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill, 2026, on behalf of the Minister of Finance, relating to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development. It proposed replacing the relevant capital allocation figure on page 28, line 7, with Rs. 7,500,000,000. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Parliamentary Procedure Read →
21 November 2025 AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti replied to the debate on the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, outlining its 2026 allocation of Rs. 7.329 billion and an additional Rs. 80 billion concessional credit facility for start-ups and enterprise expansion. He detailed planned public-private partnerships and investor calls for salt, graphite, Paranthan chemicals, Eppawela phosphate and mineral sands, while emphasizing value addition, productivity, and export-oriented industrial development. He reported reduced administrative costs, 78 per cent physical progress by September, upgrades to industrial estates, expanded artisan training and craft promotion, and plans to coordinate NEDA, SEDD and IDB under a single authority for greater efficiency. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day InfrastructurePublic FinanceEmployment Read →
21 November 2025 AI summary The Minister stated that a land clearance issue involving a company and the removal of rubber had delayed approval for the project. He said the matter had been discussed and resolved, with about Rs. 4.5 million to be paid before approval can be obtained and work can proceed. Appropriation Bill, 2026 – Committee Stage Debate: Twelfth Allotted Day Land & Housing Read →