Minister Bimal Ratnayake said that he believes that former Speaker Ashoka Ranwala does not have a certificate now as sufficient time has passed to submit the certificate. He said this while participating in an electronic media political discussion held yesterday.
Responding to a question raised during the discussion, the Minister stated that the promise made to Mr. Ashoka Ranwala to present his doctorate degree has not been fulfilled even though more than a year has passed. He was removed from the Speakership for failing to submit the certificate within the stipulated time and, accordingly, he has been given the maximum political punishment that a party can give him.
He further said:
“He is the third citizen of the country. Enough time has passed to submit the certificate. I think he does not have a certificate now. Removal from the Speaker’s post is the most severe punishment that can be given to a person, both politically and personally,”