Handunneththi says remarks at China Forum misrepresented

Colombo, June 30 (Daily Mirror) - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunneththi told Parliament today that his recent speech at the World Economic Forum in China had been misrepresented by some individuals to suit their personal agendas.

Clarifying his remarks, the Minister said he had highlighted Sri Lanka’s untapped potential and available resources as avenues to strengthen the economy. 

“I merely pointed out that Sri Lanka has what it takes to move forward economically. For example, Batticaloa has an airport that remains unused — we must develop such infrastructure,” he stated.

He emphasized that the Northern and Eastern provinces hold significant promise for tourism and industrial growth. “Such potential would not exist if the economy had collapsed or if law and order had broken down,” he said.

Handunneththi also acknowledged several pressing challenges facing the country. “We are seeing an exodus of educated professionals and skilled youth, a crisis shared by many Asian nations. At the same time, Sri Lanka is being targeted by drug traffickers from Europe,” he warned.