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10th Parliament· 154 sittings on record · 30,475 speeches · latest 10 June 2026

Sitting of Friday, 8 May 2026

10th Parliament· 10 debates· 105 speeches· 37 speakers

Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 23554 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard

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Order of business

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  6. 6 Debate Debate: Private Members' Motion P.43/2025 - Preventing Misuse of Positions of Professors and Doctors 24 speeches
    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
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    • The Hon. Rohana Bandara

      AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara moved a resolution calling on the Government to develop, through the University Grants Commission, a programme to prevent misuse of titles such as “Professor” and “Doctor.” He argued that public trust in such designations has been exploited in politics and public life, citing controversies over claimed qualifications and the use of titles in election campaigns. He proposed stronger review and regulatory mechanisms to ensure only those who meet proper academic or clearly defined honorary standards may use such titles, in order to protect public confidence and the credibility of institutions that confer them.

      Corruption & Governance ReformEducationJustice & Human Rights Full speech →
    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
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    • The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB

      AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri seconded Hon. Rohana Bandara’s Motion on the misuse of academic titles such as “Doctor” and “Professor,” while emphasizing respect for those who have legitimately earned them. He argued that such titles should not be appended to MPs’ names in Parliament or used to mislead the public for political advantage, and questioned why the Ministry of Education alone should respond to what he described as a broader parliamentary and regulatory matter. He called for national action to regulate the use of such titles, including consideration of whether they should continue to be used beyond a person’s tenure or under specific conditions.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
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    • The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB

      AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara supported establishing a mechanism to prevent the misuse or commercial conferral of “Doctor” and “Professor” titles, arguing that unqualified recipients are being equated with those who earned such titles through study and examinations. He also raised concern over multiple vacancies in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, questioning delays in appointments. He urged the Government to table the necessary regulations for the Constitutional Council so judicial appointments can proceed properly and without arbitrariness.

      Justice & Human RightsCorruption & Governance Reform Full speech →
    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
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    • The Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama JJB

      AI summary The Government stated it has no objection to Hon. Rohana Bandara’s Motion to prevent the misuse of the titles “Professor” and “Doctor.” It also noted that the debate highlights public misconceptions regarding the proper use and meaning of such titles.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government JJB

      AI summary Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna responded to a remark by Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara regarding his use of the title “Professor.” He stated that after leaving university service he instructed officials not to use the title unless it was formally conferred as “Professor Emeritus,” and said the University of Kelaniya has since conferred that title on him. He clarified that departmental heads were notified through his Secretary and that no media notice was issued.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB

      AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara clarified that he did not intend to malign the Minister or question his academic standing. He stated that his point was limited to the use of the title “Professor” on election campaign posters and a subsequent Ministry internal letter instructing that the title not be used.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
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    • The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB

      AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara stated that his earlier remark was not intended as an insult, but referred to the use of a particular title during the election campaign. He said he could produce the relevant election poster as evidence if necessary.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
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    • The Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama JJB

      AI summary Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama explained the academic meanings and requirements for titles such as “Doctor” and “Professor,” noting that professorial titles require a PhD, further scholarly qualifications, institutional approval, and, after retirement, Council approval for emeritus status. He said honorary doctorates may be conferred only through rigorous university processes, and noted that the Education Ministry is already working on regulating institutions that award or sell degrees and honorifics. He supported the Motion if made in good faith and proposed that regulation also cover misuse of other titles, including designations such as “Attorney-at-Law” and commercially sold honorifics.

      Parliamentary ProcedureEducation Full speech →
    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
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    • The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB

      AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the Motion on regulating institutions that confer doctoral and professorial titles, urging the Government to introduce rules to prevent the sale of such titles. He thanked the Minister for clarification on Vesak Week restrictions, noting that meat sales and animal sacrifice were prohibited only on specified days, allowing Udhiyah/Qurban observances on May 28–29. He also referred to the Supreme Court’s upholding of the Sainthamaruthu Urban Council and requested that premises, staff, a Secretary, vehicles, and other facilities be provided within two months so the Council can begin functioning and deliver services such as waste disposal.

      InfrastructureEducationReligion & Culture Full speech →
    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
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    • The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB

      AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera called for a uniform parliamentary practice of addressing all Members by name only, without academic, professional, or former service titles, citing Westminster tradition and equality among Members. He proposed that the Speaker and Secretary-General implement this rule in the House and added that national legislation should be introduced to regulate the wider sale or misuse of honorifics.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB

      AI summary The Deputy Minister said existing UGC circulars already restrict the use of “Professor,” “Senior Professor” and “Doctor” to active university service, with retired or resigned academics permitted to use only “Professor Emeritus” if formally conferred under UGC Circular 12/2021. He noted a separate problem of non-UGC institutions granting honorary doctorates or professorships without proper standards, and said the Higher Education Policy Drafting Committee is working to create a single registry and regulatory framework for all public, private and non-state awarding bodies. He stated that the Government accepts the Motion’s intent and will strengthen enforcement of UGC rules while regulating non-UGC entities that confer such titles.

      Corruption & Governance ReformEducation Full speech →
    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
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    • The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB

      AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna stated that a formal policy is being prepared to revoke or close down institutions that exist only on paper and improperly confer titles. He clarified that the University Grants Commission has no authority over the use of “1116,” which would generally need to be challenged through civil action by a private citizen. He said the Government is developing a procedure in response to Hon. Rohana Bandara’s proposal to ensure titles are used through due process and to prevent misuse.

      EducationParliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
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    • The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB

      AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa moved that Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha take the Chair. The motion was agreed to, after which Hon. (Mrs.) Sagarika Athauda left the Chair and Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha presided.

      Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Rohana Bandara

      AI summary Rohana Bandara closed debate on his Private Member’s Motion by thanking members who contributed and noting government assurances about oversight. He argued that titles such as “Attorney-at-Law,” “Doctor,” “Professor,” and other honorifics are being misused or purchased to mislead the public, including in contexts such as pyramid schemes. He proposed a supervisory system requiring public notification before special titles are conferred, with time for objections, similar to procedures for name changes or certain legislation.

      Justice & Human RightsLaw & Order Full speech →