Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has stated that disciplinary action should be taken against National People’s Power (NPP) MP and former Speaker Asoka Ranwala if his PhD title is proven to be fraudulent.

Speaking on the Derana 360 programme hosted by Kalindu Karunaratne, Dr. Jayatissa addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the politician’s academic credentials. He emphasised that the issue has become a significant concern for the voters who placed their trust in the NPP.

The controversy dates back exactly one year to 19 December 2024, when Ranwala resigned from the position of Speaker. Prior to his resignation, when quotestions raised about Ranwala’s credentials, Dr. Jayatissa, as the Cabinet Spokesperson assured the public that Ranwala had stepped down solely because he was unable to present his degree certificate at that moment, stating he would obtain and submit it shortly.

During the recent interview, Dr. Jayatissa explained that his initial statement was based entirely on the information Ranwala had conveyed to the party.

However, one year later, the certificate has still not been submitted. Critics argue that the failure to produce the document after such a long period “doubles and triples the existing public suspicion” regarding whether he possesses the degree at all, Karunaratne pointed out.

“It is very fair for suspicion to arise,” Dr. Jayatissa conceded. “The time has certainly come to seriously reconsider what he conveyed to the party at that moment.”

He noted that if Ranwala had fraudulently used the title ‘Dr’ and occupied a position based on that claim, it would constitute a serious mistake made before the people.

When pressed on whether the party would initiate disciplinary action if fraud is confirmed, Dr. Jayatissa stated that the matter is receiving special attention. He concluded that if a fraudulent act is proven, disciplinary action can and should be taken, highlighting the need to respect the will of the large population that supports the party.