By Roshan Pussewela –

There has been an overwhelming reaction among Sri Lankans, both at home and abroad, about Minister Sunil Handunneththi’s recent appearance at the World Economic Forum (WEF). Sadly, much of it has been negative, and rightly so. What should have been an opportunity to present Sri Lanka’s case to the world became, instead, an embarrassing episode, largely due to the Minister’s inability to communicate effectively in English, the language in which the panel discussion was conducted.

Let me be clear: I do not believe fluency in English or any foreign language, for that matter—is a prerequisite for leadership or intellect. But in international forums like the WEF, language matters not for prestige, but for precision. If you are representing your country in a high-level socio-economic and political discussion, you must be able to clearly convey your government’s point of view, respond to challenging questions, and engage your audience with clarity and confidence. If that is not possible, the wise and dignified route is to use an interpreter.

What we saw, instead, was not just awkward. It was harmful. The Minister came across as unprepared and incoherent. This doesn’t reflect just on him, it reflects on Sri Lanka. It tells investors, policymakers, and international observers that we are not serious players. This is not a personal criticism; this is a national concern.

And that brings me to a deeper issue: participation at such international events must be strategic, not symbolic. Sri Lanka is in the throes of an unprecedented economic crisis. We cannot afford government vanity projects or half-hearted participation in global talk shops. We must attend only if we have something meaningful to gain and if we are prepared to make our case persuasively. If not, we are simply wasting public money, at a time when every rupee must be accounted for.

One of the key promises this government made was to put an end to waste, to stop the rot of showmanship and incompetence, and to act with purpose. This was a chance to walk that talk. Instead, what we witnessed was an entirely avoidable blunder, one that could have been prevented with a bit of humility, preparation, and foresight.

Let me also say this: I have been a vocal supporter of this government. I believed, and still believe, that they represent the only serious attempt in recent times to break the stranglehold of corruption and hold accountable those who looted this nation. I am not abandoning that belief. But support does not mean silence. If we are to truly rebuild this country, we must be willing to call out missteps and demand better from those we trust.

Finally, while this particular incident deserves scrutiny, it also opens the door to a broader discussion about Sri Lanka’s engagement with institutions like the WEF. I, for one, strongly believe that the WEF does not represent the interests of countries like ours. Its agenda is shaped by powerful corporate and geopolitical interests that rarely align with the wellbeing of struggling nations. That, however, is a debate for another time.

For now, let this be a moment of reflection, not just for Minister Handunneththi, but for the entire government. Let us stop chasing optics and start focusing on outcomes. Let us show the world, not through slogans but through substance, that Sri Lanka is serious, strategic, and self-aware.