Says he has no documentary proof now but will present it later

by Anuradha Hiripitiyage

Asoka Sapumal Ranwala resigned from the position of Speaker of Parliament on Friday.

In a statement, Ranwala clarified that he had never lied about his educational qualifications but admitted that he currently lacks documentary proof of his academic achievements. He stated that he had been awarded a doctorate by a research institute affiliated with Waseda University in Japan and hoped to present the degree certificate in the future.

“However, given the confusion surrounding the issue and to prevent embarrassment for those who trusted and voted for this government, I have decided to resign from the post of Speaker for the time being,” Ranwala said in his statement.

Translation of the full text of the statement which is orginally in Sinhala: “Concerns have recently been raised regarding my academic qualifications. I want to clarify that I have never lied about my educational background. However, I am currently unable to provide documentary proof of my qualifications, as I do not possess certain certificates. I am in the process of obtaining these certificates from the relevant institutions.

I was awarded a doctorate by a research institute affiliated with Waseda University in Japan, and I am hopeful that I will be able to obtain the certificate from the institute and present it as soon as possible.

Given the confusion surrounding this issue, and in order to prevent embarrassment for those who have trusted and voted for this government, I have decided to resign from the position of Speaker for the time being.”

His resignation came after it became apparent that MPs of the JVP/NPP government were preparing to make a significant decision regarding a no-confidence motion against Ranwala, focusing on the legitimacy of his academic qualifications. The motion was prompted by ongoing questions about the authenticity of his doctoral degree if the matter was not clarified.

Sources within the NPP confirmed earlier on Friday that Speaker Ranwala was expected to address the controversy with a special statement when Parliament reconvenes next Tuesday (17), but he resigned in the evening.

Kalutara District SJB MP Ajith P. Perera told the media on Thursday that either the Speaker or the JVP/NPP government must clarify the issue regarding Ranwala’s doctorate. He stated that if the Speaker genuinely holds a valid doctorate, there would be no issue. However, the lack of response to media inquiries and the removal of the degree information from the parliamentary website raised concerns.

Perera further stated that the Speaker must present his qualifications within two weeks, or the opposition would proceed with the motion of no confidence. He also noted that the JVP/NPP MPs would face public scrutiny when deciding whether to support or oppose the motion, testing their loyalty to party lines versus public expectations.

The National Democratic Front (NDF), led by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, has proposed the establishment of a parliamentary committee to verify the academic qualifications of all MPs, including the Speaker and Cabinet Ministers. This move aims to address growing concerns about the credibility of qualifications within the legislature.

Meanwhile, the SLPP announced their intention to introduce a no-confidence motion against Speaker Ranwala. Hambantota District MP D.V. Chanaka, speaking at a press conference in Colombo, criticized the Speaker over the issue, which he argued undermines public trust in the legislature. Chanaka also pointed out that, as the head of the Parliamentary Council and the Committee on High Offices, the Speaker is responsible for reviewing qualifications for key positions, making this issue of utmost importance.

SLPP Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam also addressed the press, highlighting the significance of the Speaker’s academic qualifications in maintaining the integrity of Parliament.

The issue of Ranwala’s education qualifications commenced with former chairman of the Election Commission Mahinda Deshapriya last week challenging Ranwala to prove his degree if he had claimed to have a doctorate. Deshapriya, in a Facebook post, stated that the Speaker should resign if he fails to do so. He also urged the NPP to take action if the Speaker fails to respond.