Sri Lanka’s Parliament Speaker, Ashoka Ranwala, has tendered his resignation following widespread controversy over the authenticity of his academic credentials. The Speaker, who has been at the center of a heated public and political debate, cited his inability to produce verifiable documentation for his PhD as the reason for stepping down.
In his resignation letter addressed to Parliament, Ranwala stated, “While I possess a PhD, due to certain circumstances, I am currently unable to provide the necessary documents to substantiate this qualification. I believe it is in the best interest of Parliament and the nation that I step aside to allow the institution to function without distraction.”
The controversy erupted when claims surfaced that Ranwala had falsely stated his educational qualifications, including holding a doctorate from an international institution. Opposition lawmakers, particularly from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), accused Ranwala of misleading the public and Parliament. They initiated a no-confidence motion, garnering significant support within the chamber.
The allegations against Ranwala spurred public outrage and calls for greater transparency regarding the academic and professional credentials of all MPs. The growing pressure from both political factions and civil society groups appears to have played a significant role in his decision to resign.
Ranwala’s resignation marks a critical moment in Sri Lankan politics, raising questions about accountability and trust in public officials. Discussions are now underway among parliamentary leaders to appoint a new Speaker. Analysts suggest that the ruling coalition will seek to nominate a candidate who can restore credibility to the office while maintaining political stability.
Meanwhile, opposition parties are intensifying their calls for an independent review of educational and professional qualifications of all parliamentarians, asserting that such measures are essential for upholding public confidence in democratic institutions.
As the search for a new Speaker begins, many view this incident as an opportunity for Parliament to address broader issues of transparency and ethics among lawmakers. Ranwala’s resignation, while seen as a step towards accountability, underscores the challenges of maintaining public trust in the political system.
