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

18 March 2025 AI summary A Cabinet decision has already been made to stop the activity in question. The member stated that if anyone continues to send items illegally, authorities should be informed so that the law can be enforced. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Law & Order Read →
18 March 2025 AI summary Minister Sunil Handunnetti responded to Opposition criticisms by alleging past irregularities in the National Gem and Jewellery Authority, citing a 2020 Heraniyawaka gem pit tender where ministerial influence was allegedly sought before signing the agreement, and said related documents would be tabled. He said mining licence issuance had previously become politicized, noted enforcement and legal staff shortages, and stated that recruitment approvals had been sought while proper approvals would continue without tolerating abuse. He rejected calls for rapid liberalization or sale of State-owned enterprises, arguing that entities such as BCC, the Cement Corporation and Salt Corporation should be restructured for efficiency under continued majority public ownership with public-private-people co-governance. He also highlighted high sugar import expenditure in 2023 and indicated that the Government’s policy is to expand domestic production through proper use of available land. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Corruption & Governance ReformPublic Finance Read →
18 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti corrected remarks about Northern industrial projects, stating that work has resumed at the Ottuchuddan tile and brick factory, including production of PV tiles and heat-reducing four-vent bricks for market release. He said funds have been allocated to develop a chemical manufacturing industrial zone at Parantan on 50 acres, requiring reconstruction after wartime destruction. He also announced that Elephant Pass salt would be released as a government product from the 29th and that salt production at Kurinjatheevu could be restarted, with employment limited to suitable local residents from the Northern Province. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) AgricultureInfrastructureEmployment Read →
18 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti outlined the Government’s plan to revive Sri Lanka’s productive economy by expanding industrial output, raising exports from US$16 billion to US$19 billion in 2025 and targeting US$28 billion in industrial exports by 2030. He identified limited industrial land, weak coordination, and slow approvals as key constraints, and said the Ministry is seeking to increase land allocated for industry, introduce entrepreneurship education after Grade 9, and coordinate agencies through district and divisional industry bodies. He also referred to the re-establishment of a Cabinet Committee on Exports and highlighted priority sectors including vehicle components, steel, footwear, apparel, gems and jewellery, event management, film, and beauty/cosmetics. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) EmploymentInfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
18 March 2025 AI summary The Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development presented the 2022 Annual Report of the Sri Lanka Institute of Textile and Apparel. He proposed that it be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations, and the House agreed. Paper: Annual Report of Sri Lanka Institute of Textile and Apparel 2022 Parliamentary Procedure Read →
15 March 2025 AI summary The Minister presented the 2021 Annual Report of the National Enterprise Development Authority to Parliament. He moved that it be referred to the relevant Sectoral Oversight Committee, and the motion was agreed to. Papers: Annual Reports Tabled Parliamentary Procedure Read →
8 March 2025 AI summary The Minister stated that 118 employees at Ceylon Mineral Sands Limited had been recruited outside the approved cadre and procedure, including due to political preferences during the election period, and therefore had not been paid salaries. He said the company has sought approval from the Department of Public Enterprises to fill 118 approved labourer posts, after which the current casual workers will be placed properly, initially on contract from March, with no intention to terminate them. He added that payments outside the approved cadre would create audit issues and that job security would be ensured once formal approval is received. Oral Question: Casual Labourers Recruited to Ceylon Mineral Sands Limited (Q.444/2025) Public FinanceCorruption & Governance ReformEmployment Read →
5 March 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti tabled five public petitions in Parliament on behalf of individuals from Boralesgamuwa, Matara, Devinuwara, Mid-Gahittetia, and Kotavila. The intervention was procedural, limited to submitting the petitions for parliamentary consideration. Petitions Presented by Members Parliamentary Procedure Read →
5 March 2025 AI summary The Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development presented the 2023 Annual Report of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority to Parliament. He moved that the report be referred to the relevant Sectoral Oversight Committee, and the motion was agreed to. Papers Presented: Annual Reports and Committee Reports Parliamentary Procedure Read →
25 February 2025 AI summary VAT had been applied to domestically manufactured pharmaceutical products and to imported bulk drugs that were packed locally. The Minister stated that the Budget provides for the removal of VAT on those pharmaceutical products. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Day 1-7) Public FinanceHealthcare Read →
24 February 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti stated that industrial zones handed over to Divisional Secretaries lack clear accountability for infrastructure and administration, despite rent collection. He said the Government intends to bring such zones under the Ministry and the Industrial Development Authority, and to prevent unauthorized commercial sub-leasing of State plots unless conducted under Ministry oversight and proper agreements. He added that future regularization through Divisional Secretaries would follow formal procedures. Oral Question: Question No. 2 - 446/2025 (Industrial Zones) InfrastructureCorruption & Governance ReformPublic Finance Read →
24 February 2025 AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti stated that delays in issuing leases for enterprises in government zones have discouraged investors and created problems such as informal transfers and unclear occupancy. He said mobile services involving relevant agencies will be launched to expedite lease issuance, with a target of completing approvals within 22 days and finalizing leases within 62 days. He also noted that inter-agency clearances should ideally be secured before inviting industries into government zones. Oral Question: Question No. 2 - 446/2025 (Industrial Zones) InfrastructureEmployment Read →
24 February 2025 AI summary Several new industrial zones and estates are being planned or developed by the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and the Sri Lanka Industrial Development Board, including ongoing infrastructure work in five zones expected to be completed by the end of 2025 and proposed sector-based and regional zones across multiple districts. The Minister said land allocation is intended for at least 50 investors and listed planned sites, including Kankesanthurai and six IDB estates now undergoing preparatory work. He explained that lease agreements are delayed because approvals depend on land-owning agencies and a multi-stage process, but said mobile service sessions will be held to process 176 pending leases after 206 permits have already been issued. An Investor Facilitation Committee has been established to reduce timelines, with targets of allocating land within 22 days and issuing lease permits within 62 days, subject to Cabinet approval and monitoring. Oral Question: Question No. 2 - 446/2025 (Industrial Zones) EmploymentInfrastructure Read →
19 February 2025 AI summary The Minister defended the Government’s maiden Budget against Opposition claims that it follows past IMF or corporate-oriented policies, arguing that its distinction is a shift toward increasing incomes, production, rural industry, entrepreneurship, and public trust in taxation. He cited steps including a planned Rs. 50 billion development fund through State banks, onboarding of 15,000 entrepreneurs, salary and pension increases, private-sector wage measures, digital payment reforms, transport modernization, and support for children leaving institutional care. He said Rs. 99 billion is allocated under economic services and entrepreneurship, including Rs. 38 billion for SME development, and outlined industrial plans such as reviving Valaichchenai Paper City, Paranthan chemicals industry, Kankesanthurai salt works, State paper reuse, and the Northern Coconut Triangle. Debate: Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Second Reading Public FinanceEmploymentInfrastructure Read →
7 February 2025 AI summary The Minister responded to a point of Order raised under Standing Order 92(a), stating that the provision prohibits Members from crossing the floor of the House. He also cited Standing Order 92(2)(a), noting that a point of Order should be raised in under one minute, whereas the Member had spoken for about half an hour, and requested that the Chair refer to the actual wording of the Standing Orders. Oral Answers to Questions and Second Round Questions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
6 February 2025 AI summary The Minister provided figures on recruitment at the institution, stating that 310 employees were recruited from 2022 to 2024 and that the workforce has risen from 545 at the 2011 government takeover to 1,319 currently. He said a proposed cadre has been submitted for approval, and while shortages or excess cannot be formally determined before approval, there appears to be an excess, with December 2024 salary and overtime costs totaling about Rs. 132 million. He outlined measures to improve operations and revenue, including increasing factory capacity, upgrading ethanol quality, addressing wastewater management, using tourist bungalows for accommodation, diversifying into jaggery and treacle, and reducing brown sugar prices to increase consumption. Adjournment and Questions at Adjournment Public FinanceEmployment Read →
5 February 2025 AI summary The Minister said the recent container congestion at Customs had been resolved through coordinated action, with inspections conducted according to risk-based criteria, and rejected allegations linking specific containers to illicit goods or the Western Province Governor. He explained measures to ease port space constraints and defended phased vehicle import relaxation based on improved reserves while protecting domestic assembly and foreign exchange. He also justified noise restrictions on tourism-related events as compliance with a Supreme Court ruling, outlined guaranteed paddy prices for the Maha season, and said the Government would prioritize rule of law, market regulation, and economic recovery. Debate: Regulations on Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Foreign Exchange Act InfrastructureEmploymentPublic Finance Read →
5 February 2025 AI summary The Minister raised a point of Order regarding Privilege Questions submitted by several Members about increasing Committee membership. He urged that the matter be discussed and resolved through the appropriate process, rather than taking further time in the House. Procedural: Privilege Questions and Sitting Time Motion Parliamentary Procedure Read →
5 February 2025 AI summary The Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development presented the 2022 Annual Report of the Sri Lanka Handicrafts Board. He moved that the report be referred to the Consultative Committee on the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, and the House agreed. Papers: Tabling of Reports and Orders Parliamentary Procedure Read →
21 January 2025 AI summary Presented the National Crafts Council’s 2023 Annual Report and moved that it be referred to the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Industries and Entrepreneurship Development. The motion was put to the House and agreed to. Papers Presented Parliamentary Procedure Read →