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 activist in the Socialist Students Union and entered full-time politics in 1998 and was elected as a councilor of the Colombo Municipal Council during 1998-1999.
Handunnetti 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.
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. [2]
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.[3]
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. [4]
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. [5]
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.
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