Minister Sunil Handunnetti has sparked controversy after removing journalists from a meeting of the Akuressa Regional Liaison Committee, stating that cameras hindered his ability to express his views. The incident left reporters dismayed and disrupted their coverage of the event.
Addressing another program in Colombo, Handunnetti voiced frustration with the public service, accusing some officials of clinging to outdated and corrupt practices that undermine the new government’s reform agenda.
“Before entering government, I fought on the streets. Now, I’m fighting within the system—with public officials who have not embraced the new mandate,” he said. He emphasized that these systemic issues are delaying efforts to provide relief to citizens and uphold their rights.
The Minister also revealed ongoing battles with the Ministry of Finance, particularly over tax policies and support for local industries. “We have to fight even for policies that protect local industries. The old ways of doing things are obstructing the change we promised the people,” Handunnetti lamented.
The Minister’s remarks underline the challenges facing the government in pushing through reforms while navigating entrenched bureaucratic resistance.
