SJB MP Chithral Fernando today raised questions in Parliament regarding a leaked audio recording allegedly involving Minister Sunil Handunnetti, suggesting possible corruption in a rice import transaction.
Fernando criticized the minister for allegedly saying “having no license is no issue, what can be done about it?,” instead of enforcing fines or confiscating the reportedly illegal rice import. He also demanded that the full audio be released rather than edited or selected clips, to clarify the situation.
“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, challenging the NPP politician’s conduct and questioning the party’s claims of accountability.
Responding to the allegations, Minister Sunil Handunnetti said the claim was an insult, adding that a he has filed a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and followed by defamation case in court.
The Minister said the audio has been taken out of context, explaining that he was addressing a request concerning five rice containers that could not be released from customs due to an import license issue.
He insisted that he was merely providing guidance on resolving the procedural matter, not condoning any illegal activity. (Newswire)