By Marlon Dale Ferreira
When academic titles can be acquired through overseas “digital universities” and staged convocation ceremonies, the issue is no longer about applause or photo opportunities, it is about credibility, legitimacy, and whether the public is being misled into respecting qualifications that may never have met recognized academic standards.
The Morning Telegraph can reveal that the doctorate publicly associated with the President of the Boxing Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), Anuruddha Bandara, was awarded by an entity styling itself as Washington Digital University, an institution that promotes online and international degree pathways.
Social media posts published on Facebook in October 2024 show Bandara dressed in academic regalia receiving what is described as a doctorate certificate. The BASL’s official Facebook page celebrated the occasion, referring to him as “Dr. Anuruddha Shanaka Bandara.”
Since then, several mainstream media outlets have addressed him using the “Dr.” prefix in coverage of boxing events and international appearances.
However, an investigation conducted by The Morning Telegraph into the awarding institution and the process behind the doctorate raises important questions.
The Process
Correspondence and promotional materials reviewed during this investigation indicate that the pathway to obtaining a doctorate from Washington Digital University may involve:
- Submission of personal details and résumé
- A professional profile or summary of experience
- Payment of a fee reportedly in the region of US $1,000
- Confirmation of award
- Attendance at a convocation ceremony, often organized in India
- Presentation of a certificate during a formal graduation-style event
Convocation ceremonies are reportedly coordinated through an Indian agent, where recipients are dressed in academic gowns and photographed receiving their certificates.
The Morning Telegraph has not identified publicly available evidence of multi-year supervised research, peer-reviewed thesis submission, or formal academic defense typically associated with earned doctoral degrees.
What Washington Digital University Claims
Washington Digital University markets itself online as a U.S.-based digital education provider. Its website claims accreditation from the American Council on Training and Development (ACTD), a private accrediting body.
It also promotes affiliations with other international education agencies.
However, accreditation terminology can vary significantly across jurisdictions.
Recognition by a private accrediting body does not automatically equate to recognition by a national higher education regulator.
What Recognition Means in Sri Lanka
The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Sri Lanka recognizes degrees awarded by accredited institutions officially recognized within their home country systems.
The UGC does not automatically endorse qualifications from unrecognized or unaccredited institutions.
An earned doctorate traditionally requires:
- Several years of supervised academic research
- Submission of an original thesis
- Independent peer review
- Oral defense before academic examiners
The distinction between an earned doctorate and other forms of honorary or experience-based awards is critical, especially when titles are used in official capacities.
Public Office and Public Representation
The concern is not personal prestige, it is public representation.
When national sports officials represent Sri Lanka internationally, the credentials they use reflect on the country.
Bandara has been photographed attending international boxing events, including meetings involving global boxing leadership. In such settings, titles can carry diplomatic weight.
The Ministry of Sports and national federations may need to consider whether formal verification mechanisms should apply before academic prefixes are used in official communications.
A Broader Pattern
Sri Lanka has already witnessed reputational fallout from disputed academic claims in political life. The resignation of a senior parliamentary office-holder following scrutiny of his academic credentials demonstrated that public tolerance for ambiguity in qualifications has sharply declined.
In a country where titles command automatic respect, the responsibility to verify them becomes even more critical.
Right of Reply
The Morning Telegraph has sought clarification regarding:
- The accreditation status of Washington Digital University
- Whether the doctorate was earned through supervised academic research
- Whether it is recognised by Sri Lanka’s UGC
Any response received will be published in full.
The Bigger Question
A doctorate is more than a photograph in a gown.
It is a symbol of scholarship, research, and academic discipline.
If doctorates can be obtained through simplified international pathways at a cost of approximately US $1,000, Sri Lanka must decide whether such titles should carry the same public weight as traditionally earned academic qualifications.
Because in the end, the issue is not about a prefix.
It is about public trust.
