Speaker resigns

13 December 2024 05:18 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 95 Bookmark

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Colombo, December 13 (Daily Mirror) - Speaker Ashoka Ranwala has stepped down from his position amid controversies regarding his doctorate qualifications.

In a statement, he explained that he is unable to provide documentary proof of the doctorate for now, awarded by a research institute affiliated with Waseda University in Japan.

However, he emphasized that he will release the documentary proof once the research institute sends the certificate to him.

He proceeded to say that he does not wish to inconvenience the government or compromise the trust placed in it.

Comments - 95

Rakitha W Friday, 13 December 2024 05:37 PM

Finally! NPP can now concentrate on matters important. Thank you for setting an example and a precedent to follow. Politics of people with self-respect.

36 161

Sam Saturday, 14 December 2024 03:33 AM

The Govt. should use this opportunity to go through and verify everyone's credentials to avoid any further embarrassment.

1 30

Rubu Fernando Saturday, 14 December 2024 04:39 AM

The most appropriate act by the Speaker. This is how mature democracies function. If the doubt cannot be cleared forthwith, then step aside - bow out. I respect the man for his act. Could not have expected such a move under MR or RW!

10 21

CJ Saturday, 14 December 2024 05:48 AM

You guys can spin better than Murali. Thus is not setting an example. This is called damage control..... Liers !!!

17 15

Sento Saturday, 14 December 2024 10:32 AM

True, self respect only when others made a noise

1 15

D2B Saturday, 14 December 2024 09:39 AM

I totally agree. I do not believe we can ever expect this from any other party what ever the matter they are accused.

11 26

Rakitha W Saturday, 14 December 2024 11:22 AM

Sento, you had freedom to make noise when others were in power, right? Look at Lasantha, Ekneligoda - just two incidents for you. Let me know if you need zillions of others. Best!

2 18

Nimal R Friday, 13 December 2024 05:39 PM

Thank to the president Anura Kumara Dissanayake who must have directed the speaker to resign. Previous government continued with Prasanna Ranatunge as the chief government whip even after he was found guilty of taking a Rs 60 million ransom and was convicted. So many such examples could be taken from previous governments.

28 130

Neel Fernando Saturday, 14 December 2024 01:06 PM

Yes, I too with too. As a Prisdent he has done his part.As you.said we can many examples how the past governments leadership has protected their members of the party and MPs when they get caught in front of Law. Who ever done the wrong must be punished . Thanks to NPP. (May be he will prove and clarify later why he produced such a document later but at the moment he couldn't as a gentleman he has resigned. So matter is over.

3 2

Aela Friday, 13 December 2024 05:40 PM

Very good, this is the immediate requirement. This does not absolve him from his misrepresentation of facts, but at least it's a start as resigning from a post has never been a practice of our politicians however great the scandal may be.

13 93

EXCELLENT DECISION BY ANURA, SHOWS HE DOES NOT CURRY FAVOUR THOSE IN HIS OWN GOVT. Friday, 13 December 2024 05:40 PM

GOOD DECISION, FOR WHATEVER THE REASON MAY BE. TO ALL THOSE WHO PUT UP NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT ANURA/NPP, AFTERALL ANURA IS TACKINGING THE ISSUES THAT ARISE IN HIS OWN GOVT TOO, THE MAJORITY WHO VOTED ANURA/NPP IN SHOULD BE SATISFIED THAT ANURA HAS TAKEN NECESSARY ACTION, AS HE STATED IN HIS RESPONSE IN THIS PAPER IN RESPONSE TO DISGRUNTLED CITIZENS BOTH FROM HIS SUPPORTERS AND THE OTHER SUPPORTERS OF THOSE WHO WERE WIPED OUT.

26 66

Lion Friday, 13 December 2024 05:43 PM

Another feather of the hat of NPP, the only party which is discipline to the core

33 74

Ha Ha Friday, 13 December 2024 10:58 PM

That is a cover up attempt when you have been caught with your pxxxx down.

2 14

Big Sam Saturday, 14 December 2024 04:13 AM

Too late my friend. Waiting was already on the wall.

5 9

Insider Friday, 13 December 2024 05:43 PM

Not enough. He has committed fraud - a culpable offence. He must resign his seat as well, to save the NPP. This is his duty.

34 83

Praiseworthy Saturday, 14 December 2024 12:46 AM

If he does it on his own accord it will be praiseworthy. Though it is deception I consider it a minor offence than any traffic offence like over speeding which many may have committed.

8 2

Ravi Karunanayake Saturday, 14 December 2024 10:35 PM

An inquiry has to be made regards to the prev place he had been working.

0 0

ronikailadasa Friday, 13 December 2024 05:43 PM

Very interesting to hear the comments of vehicle auctioneer Wasantha on this historic start by the communist regime. This action has saved the day for Govt, interesting to see what AKD will say on the subject when he visits Mother India. and what action he will take on this disgraceful individual.

40 28

Prince Friday, 13 December 2024 05:44 PM

He should also resign from his seat for lying to the public.

21 64

Democrat Friday, 13 December 2024 05:49 PM

Poor Sajith who was defeated badly signing no confidence motion against the speaker. Poor show boy you can’t even match any of the moves of NPP. They are bunch of talented people who are dedicated to the cause of developing this country.

48 70

Stoic Friday, 13 December 2024 10:56 PM

It was not Sajith who was defeated but the NPP which had to admit to fraud by one they elevated to Speaker. Trying to get a win by a defeated NPP follower.

2 14

Rubu Fernando Saturday, 14 December 2024 05:03 AM

Sajith is a wash. Following closely on the footsteps of his former leader - RW. Lost Presidential twice - which means nation wide his acceptability was poor. He should bow out and get out of politics and stop politricking and playing games with his party elite and educated capable of leading it.

7 5

Prince Saturday, 14 December 2024 09:13 AM

Think wisely. If the No Confidence motion was debated in parliament, at the vote can the clean , uncorupt government vote in favor. The previous government voted for the crook Keheliya who finally ended being remanded. Now this government cannot do these things as promised. So hecwas forced to resign before the no confident motion.

0 12

Hiruni Saturday, 14 December 2024 10:24 PM

Dont worry. An inquiry will be bade soon regarding his CON Dr. position he had been working as a government servant and disciplinary action be taken against hit action. Else release all his details with regard.

0 0

Anoma Friday, 13 December 2024 05:50 PM

Resign from MP post and recontest.

16 55

BanduXX Friday, 13 December 2024 05:51 PM

Now the next step is testing the sincerity eternally spoken by NPP that wrongdoers will be punished. First they must take action at home - Caesar divorced Pompeia, saying that "my wife ought NOT even to be under SUSPICION".

2 39

Lala Friday, 13 December 2024 05:54 PM

There are Limits of cheating.

2 42

Big Sam Friday, 13 December 2024 05:55 PM

As professionals, we would never be so forward as to claim titles without proof. So as we welcome the resignation, please note that it is nothing great. It is the minimum we expect from those we elect!

0 63

Aquarius Friday, 13 December 2024 05:58 PM

Good decision and the correct one to safeguard the integrity of the NPP and the trust placed on the people.

10 37

Chandrika from Univ of Paris Friday, 13 December 2024 06:05 PM

Good move. Can Sajith also provide his LSE certificate?

13 47

Don Friday, 13 December 2024 06:06 PM

This is the right thing to do. This is a lesson for everyone. While you are doing postgraduate studies, you should not declare your final qualification prematurely to gain recognition. As you said, NPP reputation is bigger than your own reputation. To serve the country, you don’t need a PhD. Show them your qualities by performing as a better MP. Your mistakes would then be excused.

10 46

DPerera Saturday, 14 December 2024 08:46 AM

He should resign from the parliament and re-contest if he wants. He won the last election by deceiving voters with fake bachelor and PhD qualifications

2 7

Travis fox Friday, 13 December 2024 06:07 PM

How come you don't have your certificate with you? Mr president we don't want to know of his education but we firmly want you to prove the honesty which you told the people. Try and prove it...

1 38

Ramanan Friday, 13 December 2024 06:10 PM

Well done acting like a MP should. I sincerely wish you in getting the existing certificate or do a PhD and get it.

15 24

Sokrates Friday, 13 December 2024 06:17 PM

Unfortunately, a doctorate will become increasingly worthless in the future. A doctorate means hard work and extensive research, unlike other titles such as Professor or Bischoff, which are awarded. However, it is already possible to have a doctoral thesis written by artificial intelligence. It is also still possible to have your doctoral thesis written by someone else for a fee. I don't have my doctorate entered on ID cards and only use it against arrogant and snooty people. My Sri Lankan bank checked my title carefully before adding it to my account. But the parliament or parties don't seem to be able to do that in this country.

2 39

liyanage Friday, 13 December 2024 06:18 PM

Respect the great decision.This should have been taken earlier temporarily vacating , until he gets the certificates to hand . Good that he did not submit a bogus one. Fraudulent documents are in galore

16 42

Speaker has a doctorate Friday, 13 December 2024 06:18 PM

What a weak and unconvincing argument! If he truly earned a doctorate from a university, he should have the degree certificate in his possession. Why does he need to write to an institute to provide evidence of his qualification? At the very least, he could specify the institute affiliated with Waseda University that supposedly awarded the degree. There has been plenty of time for him to contact the degree-granting institute since this controversy began. If he were genuine, he should have produced at least an email or some form of communication with the institute by now. Without a doctorate, which institute would he even write to? You can't fool everyone all the time.

3 43

Fernando Friday, 13 December 2024 11:32 PM

Agree with you 100%. If he has such a qualification, why doesn't he has a certificate to prove it? He's trying to cover up one lie from another. That's not honesty at all. That's cheating again. Who does he think we are to believe this crap?

0 13

Dr. M. Silva Friday, 13 December 2024 06:27 PM

Has the Waseda Uni in Japan addressed and informed you as a Dr.? Or else who approved you as a Dr.? Please this is no joke.

0 24

PhD and politics Friday, 13 December 2024 06:34 PM

I have some questions about it : If has already completed his research and waiting for his viva or oral examination: it is entirely fine to stay in his post : I don’t know if this is the case : I personally support and welcome his idea to resign but this government must reinstall him once he has completed his PHD : there is a disparity in understanding between politicians, and academics on this matter: it is normal in academic world to take some times to complete PhD specially waiting time for viva takes some months if not years in some universities: i wonder if he has already enrolled for his PhD or completed some work or waiting for viva takes: but unless he is fully completed it he can not write his doctorate title in his name : anyway how he ought to explain this to public : don’t try to defame is integrity because of this : Why because he have been waiting for viva ? He may have enrolled for his PhD but not done enough : as it is in Japan it may take more time to learn the langua

18 9

Yohan Friday, 13 December 2024 06:34 PM

You were calling your self a Dr all this time without having any document with you. lol Also why is it so hard to prove it at this time, if you had done it, you can get a letter from the institute easily as they will certify that you have done the said program but it seems you have lied again to deceive the public. Resign from parliament too for the misleading the public. Also deputy speaker also should resign as he has called him self a specialist Dr when he is just a MBBS Doctor. Minister Jayakody also should resign

109 25

Dilakshan Seneviratne Saturday, 14 December 2024 05:27 AM

Perennial mudslingers cannot be taken seriously as they lack objectivity. Better spend one’s time on something else, without being annoying.

6 35

Jayampathi Friday, 13 December 2024 06:39 PM

He must resign from his parliamentary seat. Voters may have elected him based on his title, hoping to send an educated representative to parliament. He has cheated the voters.

4 35

R Navaratnam Friday, 13 December 2024 06:45 PM

Well done, Ashoka Ranwala. Good call. Couldn't have been earlier; nevertheless my respects to you.

24 24

Ligan Friday, 13 December 2024 06:48 PM

A very good move to stop further damages and bring back the trust in the government This is a rare case in sl history that this kind of resignation to happen

17 11

May mona Kadjakkda Friday, 13 December 2024 06:49 PM

Resigning on his own accord was the best way for the country. Already the voters a majority of whom also voted for Gota and previously Mahinda are getting to realize the truth about the untruths or what has been over simplified and over promised. On top of it a fiasco about the credibility of the speaker is going to erode confidence some more. The country has a lot of hope and expectation from the new team.

5 14

Law minister should also resign. Friday, 13 December 2024 06:51 PM

Law minister also enjoyed Dr title until today, a property not he is entitled to.

32 18

BanduXX Friday, 13 December 2024 11:10 PM

He never claimed a Dr title in the resume he submitted to Parliament but they have made a wrong entry in the computer. He is very honest but it is the data operator who should be faulted.

2 22

roobarbie Friday, 13 December 2024 06:52 PM

Not happy about the Speaker's falsehood. We all know that a degree award is accompanied with the presentation of a Certificate. If he has no certificate given, it sounds very dicey. It sounds like buying a fake degree by post through some business agency, or a stupid action thinking no one would check his credentials. He has let down AKD and his party. Lots of Sri Lankans do this sort of thing, which is disgraceful. In any population that involves a lot of people will always have its defaulters, so this is not something for which AKD or NPP are to be blamed. Let this be a lesson for all other such fake Doctors or degree holders of all parties, including Premadasa Boy, and Rajapaksa Boy. Liars and fake conjurers.

4 15

University of Toilet Friday, 13 December 2024 06:53 PM

Aiyo Aho!!!

10 6

Nihal Amarasekera Friday, 13 December 2024 06:53 PM

Good. Credibility shaken, no doubt. Now lets move on. More serious matters ahead.

6 23

Rohitha Friday, 13 December 2024 06:54 PM

Without spending our public funds we pay to you fellas, don’t you thing it’s more decent you temporarily resign your seat until you clear things up with proof of your ORIGINAL Dr. label? Certainly is you can’t means please resign. Your honest members are also be considered of your caliber. Also precious Parliaments time will be wasted of your adventuress doctorate we all are waiting for.

2 12

Dr Tissa Fernando Friday, 13 December 2024 06:54 PM

Another lie with the resignation. How many more Doctors are going to slowly take out their Doctor titles.

74 19

ආ. මෝඩ කැලුම් Friday, 13 December 2024 10:20 PM

I know at least one!

7 34

DISGRUNTLED WIPED OUT PARTY SUPPORTERS, UNWILLING TO ACCEPT THEIR DEFEAT Friday, 13 December 2024 11:36 PM

TISSA, YOU HAVE TIME ON YOUR HAND, GO CHECK EACH AND EVERY DOCTOR REGISTERED IN THE COUNTRY, IF YOU WANT TO PROVE ANYMORE POINTS.

1 16

Dilakshan Seneviratne Saturday, 14 December 2024 05:22 AM

Pot calling the kettle black. You are always lying in this comment column. 9/10 of your comments are absolute lies.

4 17

DHA Friday, 13 December 2024 06:59 PM

What would've been the punishment if an ordinary individual claims to be a Dr. without a certification???

1 16

Sri Wickrema Friday, 13 December 2024 07:09 PM

Spoton!

1 4

Dilakshan Seneviratne Friday, 13 December 2024 07:12 PM

About time. He should have some sort of proof surely. He could have even flown over to Japan and got it sorted out, if what he is saying is true. If he doesn’t produce documentary proof by end December, he must resign as a MP. I don’t think NPP can be blamed for this as they would definitely have relied on his word.

9 29

Dr Tissa Fernando Friday, 13 December 2024 10:46 PM

Your NPP has files about everyone else, but not the Speaker. NPP has the expertise in deceptive marketing to change voters. They did that with Uganda money story, then claiming to have many Doctors in the party. But slowly, Uganda money story has become false, Doctor titles of their MPs are being removed, more lies to come out soon. All their election promises such as justice to Easter Sunday Victims, Bringing back Uganda money, not importing rice, reducing cost of living are all vanishing into thin air. They are just continuing with RW policies.

86 22

Dilakshan Seneviratne Saturday, 14 December 2024 05:18 AM

This is about deception not about murder, robbery, playing out the poor masses, postponing elections, mocking the Judiciary and bankrupting the country. We know who supports those disgusting values.

4 22

Dr Tissa Fernando Saturday, 14 December 2024 10:29 AM

@Dilkushani i, calm down calm down , dont come to defence of liars. Be like your leader man.

30 1

DocSon Friday, 13 December 2024 07:17 PM

Already the trust is lost . This bunch of NPP talking machines are just worthless, mere talkers, critics.

8 21

A Concerned Citizen Friday, 13 December 2024 07:32 PM

Good decision. If he hanged on more, the entire NPP would go down with him. President AKD and Cabinet spokesman and Chief Organizer of the Government Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has to be blamed for not persuading Mr. Ranwala to resign sooner.

3 19

Spartacus Friday, 13 December 2024 07:36 PM

Very exemplary move. Surely never seen in the history of Sri Lankan Politicians.

13 34

MR. CLEAN SRI LANKA Friday, 13 December 2024 07:37 PM

He should resign his parliamentary seat too.

1 20

slcitizen Friday, 13 December 2024 07:43 PM

Monitor sacked in the Montessori..

43 13

Yohan Saturday, 14 December 2024 12:01 AM

Best comment ever mate. Assistant also will get sacked soon. He has called himself a specialist Dr when he is just a Dr

28 2

Crazy8 Saturday, 14 December 2024 12:51 AM

Mr Dr, please check the meaning of the word 'sack' in a dictionary!

0 18

DOT Friday, 13 December 2024 07:56 PM

Better late than never !

1 7

M Fernando Friday, 13 December 2024 07:57 PM

This is the correct thing to do. Kudos to the government and hope this serves as a warning to others. One curious thing , this "advertising of non-existent qualifications" seems to have become hurtful to SJB/Opposition only during NPP tenure. It was a non-issue during RW, GR and MR administrations. Wish they raised the same hue-and-cry in previous years., the country would have gained something. Better late than never, I guess.

11 7

Samy Selvarajah Friday, 13 December 2024 08:14 PM

I think that you did the correct thing. God bless you. Still, I am not sure about the present situation when people like Namal Rajapuksa is also challenging your elected seat. How about him? His own seat? Is he fit to be in the Parliament? Law degree through the back door?

12 12

කිතුල් ගහේ නැගපු කතානායක Friday, 13 December 2024 11:40 PM

No point talking about them now because they were defeated and people elected NPP/JVP believing that they would keep their principles in place. Look what's going on now. One lie after another and they have completely forgotten about getting rid of හොරකම, වංචාව හා දූෂණය.

0 7

Nissanka Friday, 13 December 2024 08:38 PM

He should step step down from parliament. All other cheats too should be kicked out.

1 45

Kirihāmi Friday, 13 December 2024 10:17 PM

Drastic!!! There'll be no opposition at all then!! How unfair!

7 39

Manithan Friday, 13 December 2024 08:49 PM

you have already played with the trust of the people of Sri Lanka. This is clearly a breach of trust and should not hold any public office if you are so clean. Brother AKD should immediately again review all his appointments.

1 22

Mizaru Friday, 13 December 2024 09:33 PM

Take care when you go shopping. If you put too much in a fragile shopping bag it is bound to collapse. Time will tell!

0 15

VRAJ Friday, 13 December 2024 09:38 PM

THANKS, VERY NICE, GOOD BY

1 5

K. Anchana Friday, 13 December 2024 10:04 PM

You are a qualified saboteur. You were a product of the JVP TU hit squad.

8 15

Public Trust Friday, 13 December 2024 10:24 PM

It takes time to get a student records. This university may not retain past student records if it has been some decades or the ownership changed at some point. The issue is, whatever the reason, he did not defend his credentials and that's a problem where public trust is concerned.

5 12

Roy Friday, 13 December 2024 10:32 PM

By knowing the truth he kept it a secret to hold his position. He cannot be blamed the party leader and the prosper and the seconder of his name as Speaker too should responsible for cheating the people.

2 9

martin Saturday, 14 December 2024 12:05 AM

AKD who appointed him should also resign. Nothing happens inside NPP without his blessings

1 5

Soori Maripalan Saturday, 14 December 2024 12:20 AM

You are a cheater to SL people and no second to Myna or Pina (RW). Therefore people need a apology and you must resign from politics to keep its respect! AKD and the government the ball is with you now! It is a shame for him to remain in politics!

0 8

Clean Sri Lanka campaign Saturday, 14 December 2024 12:24 AM

Relentless public campaign led to the ouster of the third citizen. Dominoes will fall..red fortresses will fall

21 6

L Jaya Saturday, 14 December 2024 02:50 AM

This statement of Ranwala was confusing. He says the research carried out by him is not directly with the said university, Waseda but an institution afflicted to Waseda. This is another twist to take time off from the controversy. Furthermore, Harini and Vijitha who proposed and seconded clearly and confidently said "Archarya" knowing very well he was a loser. They should also burry their heads in sand in shame for propagating false information very confidently in the Augustus chamber of SL parliament . "Uthareethara parliament "

0 8

Russel Harmmer Saturday, 14 December 2024 08:16 AM

He is a real gentleman indeed. After proving his capabilities, he will come back to his seat again. First of all, just think Namal acts like a Lawyer but MR his father arranged another Senior Lawyer to write Namal's exam inside Temple Trees and Namal became a Lawyer, but he did not get through even his GCE (O/L) still.

6 0

Dee Saturday, 14 December 2024 08:34 AM

Whoever who thought of the saying ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ must be feeling really good.

0 1

Inshi Saturday, 14 December 2024 08:36 AM

Didn't he look a joker from the very beginning? Was it intentional? Keep the good, get rid of the bad and ugly behaviour of people's so called representatives.

0 5

M.M.H. Mohammed Jameel Saturday, 14 December 2024 08:42 AM

NPP never do wrong neither AKD cannot bear it. As because dogs are barking, they cannot run away without fulfilling their mission and visions.

2 2

Rafeek Saturday, 14 December 2024 10:23 AM

Other parties also must do the same Bond scam Health Scam, Uganda Scam must be investigate like the investigate the speaker mistake corrected within two months, Why are UNP supported leaders are hiding Rice Fire to poor people’s stomach, The allegations against UNP-supported leaders hiding rice and causing hardship to the poor are serious.

1 1

Mark Anandappa Saturday, 14 December 2024 10:54 AM

What a comedy of a govt this NPP is becoming. What can you expect when the GOVT appoints an trade union guy to the 3rd most important position in the govt.

0 8

Kaleel merza Saturday, 14 December 2024 12:09 PM

Looks like koombiyo teledrama Hahha

0 2

Ylg Saturday, 14 December 2024 12:12 PM

I am hoping AKD can battle the corrupt opposition who will make things hard. Was expected.

0 4

ROHAN DE SILVA Saturday, 14 December 2024 01:29 PM

Even while resigning, Ranwala is still lying about his mythical PhD and alleged documents from a supposed Waseda affiliated research institute from which he claims he got his PhD. I wonder what happened to his PhD thesis – surely he must have a personal copy of that? Has he mislaid that as well? Also, does he not remember the title of his PhD thesis? Or even a brief summary of the subject matter he dealt with? It is probably very likely that not only the PhD but also this unnamed Waseda affiliated research institute does not exist, except perhaps only in Ranwala’s mind. However, woefully ironically, this explanation allows him to still call himself “Doctor”. After all he still insists that he has a PhD Maybe he needs psychological help.

0 4

Patcitz Saturday, 14 December 2024 04:45 PM

Before going into such move, and producing such educational credentials by every member of ruling government, NPP should confirm all other parties and its members contested and elected to the parliament by an election have at least ordinary levels.

0 1

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