Speaker’s academic credentials under fire – calls for resignation amidst controversy

Wednesday, 11 December 2024 00:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Former MP

Thalatha Athukorala

Former MP Thalatha Athukorala yesterday presented evidence to the media challenging the academic credentials of Speaker Asoka Sapumal Ranwala, alleging he never pursued a doctorate at Waseda University in Japan, as previously claimed.

The controversy surrounding Speaker Ranwala’s qualifications erupted after opposition parties accused him of falsely using the title “Dr.” The Parliament website initially listed him as “Dr Asoka Sapumal Ranwala,” but the designation was quietly removed this week.

Athukorala highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting the Speaker’s pivotal role as the third-highest-ranking official in Sri Lanka, after the President and Prime Minister. She pointed out that the Speaker also chairs the Constitutional Council, which oversees critical appointments, including those in the judiciary and the police force.

“The Speaker acts on behalf of the President or Prime Minister in their absence. Such a significant position demands integrity. The NPP Government, which promised to clean up Parliament, has instead compromised it with such appointments,” she said.

Former SLPP MP Premanath C. Dolawatta joined the criticism, calling for Ranwala’s resignation. “The removal of the doctorate title from the Parliament website is an admission of guilt. Claiming such a qualification without merit insults the dignity of the Speaker’s office. He must step down and allow for a new Speaker to be appointed,” he said.

The controversy has intensified scrutiny on the Government’s commitment to transparency and ethical governance, with the opposition accusing it of failing to deliver on its anti-corruption pledges.

Former Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya has also called on Speaker Asoka Sapumal Ranwala to either substantiate his academic qualifications or step down from his position.

The controversy surrounding Ranwala’s credentials deepened after recent alterations to his LinkedIn profile and Wikipedia page, which initially claimed he held a PhD in Biochemistry from Waseda University in Japan. These references to the doctorate have since been removed. The LinkedIn profile also previously listed a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Moratuwa and a role as Director at the BioGenic Green Technology Research Institute.

Upon Ranwala’s appointment as Speaker, Parliament released a press statement introducing him with the following credentials:

“Dr. Asoka Ranwala represents the Gampaha District and entered Parliament following the most recent General Election. Beginning his political career as a member of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), Dr. Ranwala currently serves as a member of the National Executive Committee of the NPP. Dr. Ranwala completed his primary education at Yatiyana Primary School and his secondary education at Henegama Central College. He holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Moratuwa and a doctorate in Biochemistry from Waseda University, Japan. Dr. Ranwala has also previously served as a member of the Biyagama Pradeshiya Sabha and the Western Provincial Council.”