Heated words were exchanged between COPE Chairman Sunil Handunnetti and Deputy Minister Ajith P. Perera during a TV debate over the report on the Central Bank Bond Scam, with Handunnetti publicly accusing Perera of protecting former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran.

This exchange of words occurred during the 'Satana' political show on Sirasa TV.

In one occasion, Handunnetti demanded Perera to look into his eyes and tell that he did not protect Mahendran. Handunnetti said that Perera repeatedly requested the recommendations damaging to Mahendran be amended.