Cassilingam calls on diplomatic community to refrain from holding meetings with Speaker

Colombo, December 11 (Daily Mirror) - Geethanath Cassilingam, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Jaffna District Organizer, has called on the diplomatic community to temporarily halt all engagements with the Speaker of Parliament, Ashoka Sapumal Ranwala, amid growing allegations surrounding the authenticity of his academic qualifications.  

In a statement, Cassilingam expressed concerns over claims that Ranwala misrepresented his credentials by using the title “Dr.” during his campaign for the recently concluded parliamentary elections.

Allegations have surfaced suggesting that the Speaker may not hold a PhD, raising questions about his integrity and accountability.  

“It is unacceptable for Sri Lanka to have a Speaker who may have misrepresented his qualifications,” said Cassilingam. “The public deserves an explanation for this apparent deception.”  

Cassilingam called on President Dissanayake to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into the matter. He emphasized the importance of transparency, urging authorities to address these claims swiftly to maintain the credibility of Sri Lanka’s parliamentary system.  

The SLPP organizer also appealed directly to the international diplomatic community, urging foreign representatives to avoid engaging with Hon. Ranwala until the allegations are resolved.  

“It would be a significant embarrassment to the countries you represent to engage with an individual facing serious questions about the authenticity of his credentials,” Cassilingam stated. “Until Hon. Ranwala clears these allegations, it is in the best interest of Sri Lanka and the international community to distance themselves from him.”