The Hon. Rohana Bandara

¶ 01 Mr. Presiding Member, I thank Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri for expressing views during the debate on the Private Member’s Motion I moved. I also thank Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara. Representing the Government, Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama spoke—my thanks to him as well. Hon. Nizam Kariapper and Hon. Ajith P. Perera also expressed views; I am grateful to both. Further, Hon. Madhura Senevirathna, the Deputy Minister, clarified that there is a process in place and that attention has been directed to its oversight. I believe that is very important.

¶ 02 As Hon. Ajith P. Perera and Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama said, the title “Attorney-at-Law” is also misused. Not only that—there are many other so‑called “honorifics” awarded upon donations of Rs. 5,000 or similar, conferred by obscure bodies we have never heard of. Sometimes village moonshine dealers or cannabis traders have obtained such honorifics and use them when speaking at funerals. There is now a group who have made the conferral of such titles a business to mislead the public. That is why we must discuss this.

¶ 03 We are not targeting anyone personally or seeking to inconvenience anyone. But there is now public discourse on this. Therefore, such titles must be used properly.

¶ 04 A person teaching at a university as a Professor does not create the problem by using the titles “Professor” or “Doctor” legitimately. The issue is individuals abusing conferred or purchased titles to create disorder or to project themselves as eminent persons. That disrespects the country and misleads the public. With pyramid schemes operating today, prominent figures are showcased to lure people. If someone in that financial network is claimed to be a “Doctor” or a “Professor,” more people fall into the trap. Yet, upon inquiry, such a person is not actually qualified; the title was obtained for money, undue influence, or by outright deceit. That is why there is so much deception in society. There must be supervision over this.

¶ 05 When one changes a name, it must be published in newspapers. Likewise, if a “Doctor” or “Professor” title is granted to someone, allowing time for public notice and objections would be more appropriate. Even some Bills passed here require public notices. Therefore, before conferring any special honorific, there should be a system of public notification. If someone in society knows the truth about that person, they can lodge objections. In a country of 22 million, not everyone knows everyone. Someone may build a social image in Colombo, while their village knows who they really are. That is why I brought this proposal.

¶ 06 If this continues, parents may even name a child “Doctor” at birth. That cannot be changed later—like the name “Deshabandu.” To obtain unearned social respect and mislead the public with various titles is why I moved this. I thank all Members and Ministers who supported this proposal, and I now conclude.

¶ 07 Question put, and agreed to.