Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Chithral Fernando raised questions in Parliament regarding a leaked audio recording allegedly involving Industries Minister Sunil Handunnetti.
Speaking in Parliament yesterday (26), Fernando criticized Handunnetti for reportedly saying, “having no license is no issue, what can be done about it?” instead of enforcing fines or confiscating the rice, which was allegedly imported without proper licensing.
He also called for the release of the full audio recording to clarify whether the clips circulating in public had been selectively edited.
“If there is no license, it is first of all illegal. How many such acts have taken place? How is Handunnetti concealing unlicensed activities?” Fernando asked, questioning the minister’s conduct and challenging the NPP’s claims of accountability.
Responding in Parliament, Minister Handunnetti rejected the allegations.
He said he has filed a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department and a defamation case in court.
Handunnetti said the audio had been taken out of context, explaining that he was addressing a procedural issue involving five rice containers that could not be released from customs due to licensing requirements.
He insisted that he was merely providing guidance on resolving the matter and was not condoning any illegal activity.
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