Minister of Enterprises Sunil Handunnetti lost his cool yesterday (22) during the 360 political discussion programme broadcast on TV Derana, when questioned about the accuracy of his assets and liabilities declaration.

The heated exchange began when the programme’s host pointed out alleged irregularities in Handunnetti’s declaration, specifically regarding a 44-perch plot of land listed without indicating how it was acquired or its estimated value.

The host asked,

“I am not confronting you on the street, Minister. I am meeting you in a political discussion watched by the whole country. I am presenting an observation that there may be legal inconsistencies in your assets declaration and seeking your response. Why are you trying to avoid this question?”

In response, Handunnetti insisted that the correct procedure was to lodge a written complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) if anyone believed there were issues with a declaration:

“If someone has a problem with an assets declaration, they can report it in writing to the Bribery Commission and request an investigation. If I start answering your question now, will you bring every politician’s declaration on the next 360 episode and question them all?”

The host countered that journalists have a duty to ask such questions, particularly when ministers publicly claim to have correctly submitted their declarations.

“You have said that you have accurately submitted your assets and liabilities declaration. You also said the present government deserves credit for facilitating this process. If you are so confident in its accuracy, why not allow me to ask questions about it?”

The exchange grew tense when the host referred to anti-corruption guidelines, which require public officials to disclose how assets were acquired — whether by purchase, gift, or other means — and to provide a fair valuation.

“In your declaration, you mention a 44-perch land, but under the section asking how it was acquired, you have written ‘none.’ Under value, you have again written ‘none.’ Why is this information missing?”

Handunnetti stood firm, replying,
“If you are not satisfied, you are free to file a complaint and request an investigation.”