Sri Lanka’s Industry Minister Sunil Handunnethi faces online backlash after delivering a confusing English speech at the prestigious World Economic Forum. Critics claim he dodged the host’s question and read from a prepared statement, igniting a social media storm.
Minister Handunnethi Faces Heat Over English Speech at World Economic Forum
Sri Lanka’s Industry Minister Sunil Handunnethi has become the center of social media ridicule following his recent appearance at the World Economic Forum, where his English speech sparked widespread criticism.
The controversy arose after the minister reportedly gave a pre-prepared statement in English, seemingly unrelated to the question posed by the event’s host. Viewers and commentators claim that the minister was visibly confused, choosing to read a scripted comment instead of addressing the question directly.
The moment quickly went viral, with many accusing the minister of lack of fluency and unpreparedness at a global platform that demands sharp, spontaneous responses. Critics argue that this reflects poorly on Sri Lanka’s international representation, especially during a time when the country is seeking foreign investment and global credibility.
Supporters, however, suggest that while the delivery may have faltered, the core message about industrial development remains relevant. Yet the viral nature of the incident has overshadowed the substance of his comments.
The backlash adds to the ongoing debate about the importance of communication skills among Sri Lankan politicians, particularly when addressing global audiences.
