President’s Secretary, Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, has officially informed Parliament’s Secretary General, Kushani Rohanadeera, that the President has accepted the resignation of Speaker Asoka Ranwala.

Ranwala tendered his resignation yesterday (14 December) amidst growing controversy surrounding his educational qualifications, particularly the doctorate he claimed to hold.

As per the Constitution, the Speaker must first submit their resignation in writing to the President, who then informs Parliament. Following this, the first order of business during the upcoming sittings on 17 December will be the election of a new Speaker.

According to Standing Order 4 of Parliament, if more than two candidates are nominated for the position, the Speaker must be elected through a secret ballot.