The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri

¶ 01 [2.48 p.m.]

¶ 02 Madam Presiding Member, I second Hon. Rohana Bandara’s Motion. Those who hold the titles “Doctor” and “Professor” have gone through immense effort. As someone who cannot reach those levels through a simple O/L, A/L and an external BBA, I respect these titles. Beyond the name, families too take pride in what was achieved.

¶ 03 But there is a grave issue: misusing such titles to deceive the country and governance. I add one more point. As discussed with Hon. Ajith P. Perera, in this House we should not append “Doctor” or “Professor” to MPs’ names. Titles may be valued socially, but they should not be used to mislead. This Motion is therefore timely.

¶ 04 I am unsure why the Ministry of Education must reply to this Motion; this is a broader parliamentary and regulatory issue. Using a title as mere adornment may even diminish one’s real academic achievement. I support corrective action, since such titles have been used to gain political power. Some political groups, unable to win, clung to the prestige of doctors and professors to mislead people. Today, many at the front have failed while those in the back with real knowledge remain. We need effective national action. We should also determine whether use of such titles should continue beyond tenure and under what conditions, while preserving real honour for those who deserve it. I support the Motion, and hope you will take necessary steps. Thank you, Madam Presiding Member.

¶ 05 Question proposed.