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Handunnetti refuses to answer questions on assets during TV interview
Colombo, Sept. 21 (Daily Mirror) - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti has said it is “not wise” to question him about his assets during a live television programme.
Speaking on the show last night, Handunnetti indicated that he may or may not respond to such queries. “It is not fair for us to examine this here. There is a law in the country. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has made these asset records public, not to be questioned when you meet them on the street. If anyone has a question about this, they can write to the Bribery Office and have it investigated. It is not that I cannot answer this,” he said.
The exchange turned tense when the presenter pressed the minister further. “The public is watching. I have the right to ask questions. You can refrain from answering if you want,” the presenter said.
Handunnetti responded by questioning the credibility of how asset and liability declarations were presented. “There is a problem with the credibility of the way you presented the assets and liabilities. It is also seen that the assets and liabilities law was presented in a mockery manner. It is wrong for you to ask such questions. There is a system in the country for this. You have a property of 47 perches. The manner in which that land was acquired and its value have not been included in the declaration of assets and liabilities,” he said.
The heated discussion highlighted ongoing public scrutiny over politicians’ declarations of assets and the limits of media questioning.
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