A new investigation by The Examiner has raised fresh questions over SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa’s admission to Sri Lanka Law College in 2009, alleging irregularities in the recognition and completeness of his academic qualifications.
According to the report, Law College admitted Rajapaksa on the same day he submitted his application, despite City University of London — where Rajapaksa claimed to have completed his LLB — not being recognised by Law College at the time.
An RTI response cited in the story shows the university was added to the approved list only on 15 October 2009, nearly three weeks after his enrolment.
The Examiner further reports that Rajapaksa’s student file does not contain a degree certificate, only a transcript and a letter from City University confirming a “Third Class degree”.
The publication also noted discrepancies between the transcript submitted to Law College and a separate degree certificate produced years later for a master’s programme, which carries the signature of a vice chancellor who had already left office.
Rajapaksa has rejected the allegations as entirely false. Speaking to reporters he said that the government initiated a B report soon after taking office seeking to investigate his degree, but months of inquiries had not produced any findings in court.
“This government, just weeks after taking office, submitted a B report to investigate my degree. Several months have passed, but nothing has been officially reported. Now they are frightened by the Nugegoda rally and spreading false propaganda. We will respond to all these allegations on the 21st,” he said, referring to the opposition rally scheduled for Friday, November 21.
Rajapaksa also says the University of London has published a list where his name appears among its list of 100 notable alumni. (Newswire)