Soraj Paul, the long-serving Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton who invited Maithri and Ranil Wickremesinghe to the 2023 doctoral degree ceremony, has passed away at the age of 94, marking the end of a remarkable 25-year tenure.
The Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton in England, Mr. Soraj Paul, who extended the invitation to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe for the doctoral degree conferment ceremony of his wife, Professor Maithri Wickremesinghe, has passed away.
At the age of ninety-four, Mr. Soraj Paul’s death marks the end of a distinguished career in higher education and philanthropy. He had served as the Chancellor of Wolverhampton University for nearly 25 years, making him one of the institution’s longest-serving and most respected leaders.
Mr. Paul’s role in the university’s development was significant, and his vision helped elevate Wolverhampton’s international profile. He was known not only for his leadership in academia but also for his contributions to philanthropy and business, earning recognition both in the United Kingdom and abroad.
The invitation extended by him to the Wickremesinghes for the 2023 doctoral degree ceremony remains a notable moment in the university’s history, now linked to the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged misuse of government funds during that visit.
His passing is being widely mourned in academic circles, with tributes highlighting his long years of service, commitment to education, and dedication to fostering global connections.
