Minister Bimal Rathnayake casts doubts on Ashoka Ranwala’s doctorate

20 January 2026 10:53 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 3 Bookmark

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Colombo, Jan. 20 (Daily Mirror) - Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Rathnayake said that he does not believe former Speaker Ashoka Ranwala possesses a certificate to substantiate his claimed doctorate, given the failure to produce such a document over an extended period.

The Minister made these remarks while responding to questions regarding the controversy while appearing on a political talk show last night.

When questioned about the delay in presenting the certificate, despite assurances by Cabinet spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa in November 2024, that it would be produced shortly, Minister Rathnayake admitted that the necessary time for such an action had long passed.

"I think there is no certificate," Rathnayake said.

"Ample time has passed for him to present it if it existed. He promised the country he would present it, but he hasn't."

The Minister explained that this failure was the primary reason behind Ranwala's removal from the post of Speaker. He described the removal as a severe "political and social punishment" for someone who held the position of the country's third citizen.

"We believe he is a genuine researcher and there is acceptance of that, but I beleive there is no certificate," Rathnayake said.

"If he has failed to fulfil the promise made to the country, the maximum action we could take was to remove him from the Speaker's post, which we have done," he said.

Comments - 3

Lion Tuesday, 20 January 2026 12:38 PM

The punishment has been given by removing from the speaker’s post but care should be taken to stop such occurrences here in after.

3 27

Raven Tuesday, 20 January 2026 02:28 PM

Another lie. MP Ranwala resigned. He was not removed from his post.

6 29

Kumudu Kusum Tuesday, 20 January 2026 03:22 PM

Maximum action was to remove him from the speaker position? Why, he lied and win the election . Do he must be stripped off of his position as a parliamentarian.

2 46

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