Today, as my dear brother and colleague Sunil Handunnetti celebrates his birthday, I want to share something about him that many may not know. Handun has a hearing impairment and relies on a battery-powered hearing aid that works through his mouth. He also has physical difficulties with his arms and legs. Yet none of these challenges have ever stopped him from giving his best, both to the Ministry of Industries and to the people of this country.
I first knew Handun as the Chairman of COPE. I had only seen him on TV during the 2019 campaign, and later met him occasionally at party conferences and executive committee meetings. Even then, I recognized his humility. My real introduction came at the National People’s Power National Conference in December 2021. I delivered four speeches that day, and after the event, as I was leaving, Handun approached me. He held my hand and said, “Brother, our time is coming to take on the economy. Your speech today was great.” That moment revealed to me the essence of his humble leadership—a strength that newcomers in other parties rarely encounter.
Fate brought us together again in November 2024 when he became the Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship and I was appointed as his Deputy. Since then, we have worked side by side, complementing each other’s strengths. His experience and maturity, combined with my technical knowledge, have helped us drive real change in the ministry and in national industrial policies.
One of his wisest decisions was appointing Thilaka Jayasundara as Secretary, along with talented chairpersons who care deeply about their institutions. These choices laid the foundation for the ministry’s progress. He also gave me freedom and trust, encouraging me to build my own team. I was entrusted with key responsibilities in small industries, state enterprises like sugar and minerals, as well as gems, jewelry, and the Export Development Board. Through difficult times, he always stood by me, guiding me with his support and wisdom.
The most challenging sectors, sugar and gems, have found stability under his leadership. Even today, he personally supervises work in Batticaloa and Matara, showing how deeply committed he is. Despite his physical struggles, he never wavers in his dedication.
To me, Handun is more than a Minister. He is a mentor, a brother, and a leader who inspires through action. No critic can match his love for society, his commitment to social transformation, his political maturity, or his humility.
On this special day, I want to thank him for the leadership he gives us as we take industry and entrepreneurship into a new era of transformation.
Happy birthday, my brother.
— Chathuranga Abeysinghe
