Minister Sunil Handunnetti created a storm on live television after refusing to answer questions about his assets and liabilities, bluntly telling journalist Kavidu Karunaratne not to probe into his personal disclosures.
During an appearance on Derana 360, Minister Handunnetti was confronted with questions regarding his recently submitted assets and liabilities declaration. The minister immediately pushed back, stating that he would not respond to such inquiries during a media interview. He insisted that if anyone, including journalists, had issues regarding the contents of his declaration, they should take the matter up with the Bribery Commission instead of trying to interrogate him on air.
Handunnetti stressed that he has complied with the legal requirement by submitting his declaration and that this does not grant media outlets or individuals the right to publicly scrutinize or investigate his financial disclosures. He said he could not allow journalists or members of the public to treat his declaration as an open book to question him at will.
The exchange grew tense as Karunaratne continued to press the issue. While Handunnetti responded to some of the queries raised during the program, he firmly drew a line, refusing to directly discuss the details of his wealth or financial interests.
The fiery interaction highlighted the ongoing friction between politicians and the media regarding transparency and accountability. Declarations of assets and liabilities are meant to serve as tools for public accountability, but politicians often resist open questioning beyond the formal submission process.
Handunnetti’s remarks have already triggered debate online, with critics questioning whether his refusal undermines the spirit of transparency, while supporters argue that the proper forum for such investigations is indeed the Bribery Commission.
