# Sunil Handunnetti

Sunil Handunneththi (Handunnetti; born October 19, 1971) is a Sri Lankan politician and a member of the Parliament of Sri Lanka who has served as the Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development since November 2024. A member of the National People's Power and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, he was elected as a Member of Parliament for Matara Electoral District in 2024 Sri Lankan parliamentary election.He formerly contested 2010 parliamentary elections under the Democratic National Alliance (DNA), which is led by former army chief Sarath Fonseka and was re-elected to Parliament from Colombo District.

## Early life and education

Handunneththi was born on 19 October 1971 in Deniyaya, Matara, Sri Lanka. He attended Dharmasoka College in Ambalangoda and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

## Political career

Handunneththi entered politics by being a student in Sri Jayawardanapura University and became the Convener of the Inter University Students' Federation in 1995 and continued until 1996. Was an activity in the Socialist Students Union. Entered full-time politics in 1998 and was elected as a councilor of Colombo Municipal Council during 1998-1999 Was elected to the Central Committee of the JVP in 2000 and was appointed to the Political Bureau of the JVP in 2012 and was appointed as the Financial Secretary of the JVP. Elected to Parliament at the general election held in 2004 with the second highest number of preferential votes from Colombo District. In 2004 was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Ministry of Rural Economic Affairs.

## Recent Initiatives

As the Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunneththi has initiated several key programs:
* Strengthening Domestic Industries and Reducing Reliance on Imports: In January 2025, Handunneththi announced plans to introduce environmentally friendly products rooted in green energy over the next two years. This initiative aims to promote sustainability and reduce dependence on imported energy sources.
* Encouraging Entrepreneurship and SME Growth: Handunneththi shared the government's plans to establish a state development bank dedicated to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This move is designed to provide financial assistance and foster entrepreneurial growth within the country.
* Advancing Industrial Policy Reforms: In January 2025, the government launched the "National Initiative for R&D Commercialization," aiming to promote innovation and entrepreneurship across various sectors. This program focuses on commercializing research and development to drive economic growth and social development.
* Promoting Youth Employment and Vocational Training: While specific programs under Handunneththi's ministry have not been detailed in the provided sources, the government's broader initiatives, such as the entrepreneur development scheme launched in the Eastern Province, indicate a commitment to fostering youth employment and skill development.
Additionally, in February 2025, Handunneththi met with India's Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Satish Chandra Dubey, to discuss bilateral cooperation in mineral exploration and mining. The discussions focused on securing critical minerals essential for both nations' economic and industrial growth.

## Electoral history

| Election | Constituency | Party | Alliance | Votes | Result |
| 1999 provincial | Colombo District | JVP | | 635 | Not elected |
| 2000 parliamentary | Colombo District | JVP | | 8,823 | Elected |
| 2001 parliamentary | Colombo District | JVP | | 9,438 | Elected |
| 2004 parliamentary | Colombo District | JVP | UPFA | 152,942 | Elected |
| 2010 parliamentary | Colombo District | JVP | DNA | 78,126 | Elected |
| 2015 parliamentary | Matara District | JVP | | 35,270 | Not elected |
| 2020 parliamentary | Matara District | JVP | NPP | 37,136 | Not elected |
| 2024 parliamentary | Matara District | JVP | NPP | 249,251 | Elected |