“I think there is no certificate” — Minister Bimal on Ashoka Ranwala’s doctorate

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

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 on Monday 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 believe 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. Ashoka Ranwala, resigned as the Speaker of Parliament on December 13, 2024, amidst a growing controversy regarding the legitimacy of his claimed doctoral degree.  

Ranwala had faced allegations from Opposition parties and civil society that he falsely claimed to hold a PhD from Waseda University in Japan and a chemical engineering degree from the University of Moratuwa. While asserting that he had not intentionally misled the public and maintaining that he was a genuine researcher, Ranwala admitted he was unable to produce the necessary certificates to substantiate his qualifications at the time. He said that the documents needed to be obtained from the relevant institutions abroad and that the delay and ensuing confusion were damaging to the government’s reputation.   

 NPP waiting for Ranwala’s response over doctorate just as country does: Nalinda

By Ajith Siriwardana

Former Speaker Ashoka Ranwala has not revealed so far whether he had a doctorate and that the National People’s Power (NPP) is expecting his response just as the country is expecting, Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday.   

He told the weekly briefing to announce Cabinet decisions that Ranwala, as a person has a conscience, to respond whether he has a doctorate before the party or someone else requests him to do so, Jayatissa said responding to a question whether the NPP, as a party has requested him to reveal it.   “He has not responded to the party or government parliament group regarding the matter. We are also waiting his response just as you,” he said.