The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) today (13th) submitted a no-confidence motion against the Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala, accusing him of misleading the public and the government by falsely claiming academic qualifications, including a doctorate degree.
The motion alleges that Mr. Ranwala, both prior to and during his tenure as Speaker, falsely used the title “Dr.” alongside his name. He is accused of misrepresenting his academic credentials, including a purported Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Moratuwa and a doctorate from Waseda University in Japan. Despite public scrutiny and requests for clarification, the Speaker has allegedly remained silent, further eroding public trust.
Citing violations of Section 6 of Part 3 and the Rules of Conduct in Part 5 of the Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament, the SJB stated that Mr. Ranwala’s actions have breached parliamentary trust and undermined the Constitution and other key institutions under his leadership.
The no-confidence motion has been signed by several prominent members of the SJB, including its Leader, Mr. Sajith Premadasa, General Secretary Mr. Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathilaka, and MPs J. C. Alawathuwala, Ajith P. Perera, Sujith Sanjaya Perera, Chathura Galappatti, Jagath Withana, and Harshana Rajakaruna.
The motion highlights the gravity of maintaining integrity in public office and calls for accountability at the highest levels of parliamentary leadership.
