The Sri Lankan Parliament website has recently removed the title “Dr.” from the name of Speaker Ashoka Sapumal Ranwala. Previously listed as “Dr. Ashoka Ranwala,” his name now appears as “Ashoka Ranwala.”
Archived data and Google search results still display the title, but it is absent from current records on the official Parliament website.
Dr. Sanjana Hatthotuwa, a researcher specializing in misinformation, stated that there is clear evidence the Parliament webpage was altered within the last 24 hours to remove the academic title.
The title “Dr.” remains visible in archived records and Google search results; however, it is absent from the current official data.
“There is clear evidence, based on independently verifiable archives, that the relevant webpage containing the details of the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka has been edited in the past 24 hours. One of the edits made was the removal of the title ‘Dr.’ from the entry for the current Speaker. A Google search for the Speaker’s profile page on the Parliament website continues to show ‘Dr.’ It is no longer visible on the official page. This has only recently changed,” said Sanjana Hatthotuwa to Newswire.
Parliament archives confirm that Ranwala was previously referred to with the “Dr.” title.
The issue gained traction after a separate press release about the Speaker’s meeting with U.S. officials continued to use the title, prompting questions about why it was removed from the Parliament’s official records.
The controversy erupted on social media, where activists questioned Ranwala’s academic qualifications. The debate intensified with demands for accountability, including calls from former Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya, who urged Ranwala to prove his credentials or step down.
Ranwala’s LinkedIn and Wikipedia profiles, which previously claimed he held a PhD in Biochemistry from Waseda University in Japan, have also been recently edited to omit the PhD. His LinkedIn profile still lists a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Moratuwa and a role as Director at the BioGenic Green Technology Research Institute.
When Ranwala was appointed Speaker, Parliament issued a press release detailing his qualifications, which included a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Moratuwa and a PhD in Biochemistry from Waseda University. The release also highlighted his educational journey, political career, and contributions as a trade union leader.
Ranwala has denied allegations regarding his credentials, calling them part of a smear campaign. However, he has yet to produce any documents verifying his academic achievements.
The removal of the “Dr.” title from the Parliament website has amplified public demands for transparency and accountability from officials. The matter continues to raise concerns about the verification of qualifications for public officeholders.
