News
Speaker resigns claiming he did not lie about his Ph.D.

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.
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INS Sahyadri sets sail from Colombo

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district

The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
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“Census of Population and Housing 2024” Report Presented to the President

The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
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