The title of “doctorate” previously displayed alongside Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara’s name on the official Sri Lankan Parliament website has been removed, according to a statement from the Office of the Leader of the House.
The correction follows inquiries into the accuracy of the title, with sources confirming that Minister Nanayakkara had not personally submitted any documentation or claims regarding an honorary degree. The presence of the title on the website is attributed to an administrative oversight.
In response to the incident, parliamentary authorities have initiated a comprehensive review of all profiles listed on the website. Officials have been instructed to verify and update members’ details to ensure accuracy and prevent further discrepancies. Preliminary findings from the review have already resulted in corrections to several errors recorded on the website.
The issue has drawn significant public attention as questions over the authenticity of educational qualifications of public figures have increasingly come under scrutiny. This comes in the wake of broader societal concerns about transparency and accountability in governance.
The decision to review the Parliament’s website aligns with efforts to bolster public trust in officials’ credentials. It also highlights the importance of ensuring that accurate and verified information is maintained in official records, particularly given recent controversies surrounding falsified qualifications among political figures.
This move aims to uphold the integrity of public institutions and address any potential erosion of confidence among the Sri Lankan public regarding their elected representatives.
