The United National Party (UNP) has accused Speaker Ashoka Ranwala of falsely claiming to hold a PhD from Japan’s prestigious Waseda University. The university has confirmed that Ranwala was never enrolled, leading to accusations of fraud and demands for his resignation. The UNP asserts that this controversy is a direct insult to the dignity of Sri Lanka’s Parliament and undermines the trust of the nation.
Former MP Thalatha Athukorala, addressing a media briefing, highlighted the historic significance of Sri Lanka’s Parliament, the first in Asia, and noted that it is closely watched on the global stage. She expressed concern that the Speaker’s alleged falsehood tarnishes the country’s image internationally and demanded his immediate resignation to uphold the integrity of the institution.
Athukorala further noted that campaign leaflets distributed by the National People’s Force (NPF) during the Gampaha District election claimed that Ranwala had completed postgraduate studies at Waseda University. She argued that this misrepresentation deceived not only the voters of Gampaha but also the entire Sri Lankan electorate.
The former MP emphasized that the controversy is not just a personal matter but raises broader questions about the qualifications of other members of the NPF. Athukorala revealed that the UNP is investigating allegations of fake academic credentials presented by at least one other NPF MP, signaling deeper concerns about the authenticity of qualifications within the party.
The UNP insists that such ethical breaches must be addressed urgently to restore the credibility of Parliament. “This situation damages the faith of the people in their representatives. A Speaker is a symbol of trust and authority, and such allegations demand immediate accountability,” Athukorala stated.
The party has called for transparency and decisive action, urging the Speaker to resign to safeguard the integrity of the legislative body and the nation’s democratic values. The controversy has sparked a national conversation about ethics in politics and the standards expected of public officials.
