A heated defence of former Speaker Ashoka Ranwala has reignited debate over academic credentials, public perception, and political character, as claims emerge that qualifications matter more than certificates.
National People’s Power MP Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi has stated that former Speaker Ashoka Ranwala possesses all the academic qualifications required for a doctorate degree, but does not hold the official doctorate certificate itself. Speaking during a political discussion aired on Sirasa television, the MP argued that the controversy surrounding Ranwala has been deliberately distorted.
“Disciplinary action is taken if there is a mistake, disciplinary action is not necessary for those who are not wrong. None of the examples you give are correct. They are lies. We do not accept it. Starting from the incident of the former speaker. This is what has happened now. Ashoka Ranwala has become a really bad person,” he said.
Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi added that the core issue stemmed from Ranwala being described as a professor, which he stressed is not merely about holding a certificate. “The main thing that influenced Ranwala to become that bad person was that he claimed to be a professor, which is not a certificate. I will tell the truth today so that the people of this country know,” he said.
According to the MP, the issue was initially raised by a senior professor who was fully aware of Ranwala’s academic capabilities. “That professor knows that Ranwala has the necessary qualifications. But that professor knows that Ranwala does not have the paper. That is the truth. If those stone-pelting people knew the capabilities of Ranwala, they would cry.”
The remarks have reignited discussion on academic credentials, political accountability, and character judgment in Sri Lankan politics.
