January 20, LNW (Colombo): Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Rathnayake has expressed serious doubts over former Speaker Ashoka Ranwala’s claimed doctoral qualification, stating that he does not believe such a certificate exists due to the prolonged failure to present it.
The Minister made these remarks while responding to questions on the ongoing controversy during a political talk show aired last night. He noted that despite repeated public discussion and assurances, no documentary evidence has been produced to substantiate the former Speaker’s claim.
Addressing a question on assurances given by Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa in November 2024 that the certificate would be presented “shortly,” Minister Rathnayake acknowledged that any reasonable timeframe for producing such a document has long elapsed. He said the continued delay has only intensified public skepticism and raised broader concerns about transparency and accountability among public officials.
The controversy surrounding the alleged doctorate has sparked debate in political circles and on social media, with critics calling for full disclosure to protect the credibility of public institutions. Several commentators have argued that academic qualifications claimed by senior political figures should be subject to the same level of scrutiny as financial and asset declarations.
While no official legal action has been announced, the issue continues to draw public attention, with calls for the former Speaker to clarify the matter conclusively by producing verifiable documentation or issuing a formal explanation.
