Sajith Premadasa, the son of former Sri Lankan President R. Premadasa, was awarded a degree certificate by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) as a Bachelor of Science (Economics) in International Relations after sitting only his first year examinations while his father was the President of Sri Lanka, the Colombo Telegraph can reveal today.
The London University has given him what is known as an Aegrotat degree on August 01, 1991, the LSE today told Colombo Telegraph. The relevant LSE regulation states: “the candidate may be offered an Aegrotat degree if satisfying the School under Regulation 45 but not recommended for an Honours or Pass degree. The candidate has the right to accept or decline the offer within a reasonable time specified by the School from time to time. In the event that the candidate has re-entered for examinations, the offer will lapse. An Aegrotat degree will be unclassified.” This means that Premadasa’s degree is not even equal to an Ordinary (Pass) degree.
When Colombo Telegraph made enquiries from LSE on October 02, it said, “Our records show that Sajith Premadasa graduated from LSE with an undergraduate degree in international relations in 1989. We do not allow students to graduate who have not completed their course of study.”
Today, however, the LSE confirmed that the former President’s son was given an Aegrotat degree in 1991, and not 1989. The LSE said they had read the Colombo Telegraph story, “Exclusive: Sajith Premadsa Only Has Sick Degrees From UK And US, London Uni Carrying Out Further Investigations” and apologized for giving wrong dates previously and the delayed reply.
In his Facebook page Sajith says; A graduate of the London School of Economics (LSE) and Political Science of the University of London, his degree covered the areas of economics, politics and international relations, an education that served him in good stead later when he launched himself as a grassroot politician.
Speaking to Colombo Telegraph last week, Sajith Premadasa maintained that he completed his degree and that he obtained his degree from the LSE. When questioned in detail, Sajith Premadasa acknowledged that he had only sat for his first year examinations at LSE because he had been sick with measles and then a paralysis of his legs, which prevented him from sitting for further exams.
The aegrotat degree is a British tradition of awarding a degree to a candidate under the presumption that he or she would have satisfied the standard required for that degree, if not for intervening circumstances such as serious ill health or even death. An aegrotat degree is therefore an exemption to the normal definition of a degree as an honours degree with a classification or a pass degree without classification. A British honours degree has the following classifications: first class honours (1st); second class honours, upper division (2:1); second class honours, lower division (2:2); or third class honours (3rd). A pass or ordinary degree has no honours classification. Following the introduction of modern regulations regarding mitigating circumstances, aegrotat degrees are less commonly awarded than they previously were.
Several questions arise in the light of today’s revelations by Colombo Telegraph. Why did the LSE previously state that he graduated in 1989 and why did it maintain that he completed his degree? Why did the LSE change the date of graduation and the story with regard to Sajith Premadasa’s degree after the Colombo Telegraph published its first story? What is the explanation for the discrepancy in the dates of graduation between 1989 and 1991? If as Sajith Premadasa has admitted to Colombo Telegraph, he only sat for his first year exams, then does he qualify for the award of even an aegrotat degree as per the LSE’s regulations reproduced above? If Sajith Premadasa was so seriously ill that he could not sit for any further exams after the first year of his three-year bachelors degree, then how does he claim that his LSE education served him in good stead later when he launched himself as a grassroot politician? Sajith Premadasa has recently expressed his own future presidential ambitions, and in this context, he has also claimed that he entered a masters course in Maryland, but even if he was able to do so with aegrotat degree, how was he able to travel to the US and begin another course of study if he was too sick to properly complete his first degree? “All these issues need to be investigated” an academic told Colombo Telegraph on the condition of anonymity.
The Colombo Telegraph can also reveal today that Sajith had edited his Facebook page and Wikipedia page after we interviewed him last week. The LSE 2nd of October commented; “Further to your call and this email, this is just to confirm we are carrying out further investigations into our records to establish the exact status of Mr Premadasa. This will require consultation with the University of London, the awarding body at the time, who hold the original records. This may take some time.” When questioned Daniel O’Connor the acting head of press said; “I’m afraid we cannot be certain. We are following this up with the University of London who house the relevant archives.”
amal / October 9, 2013
We are not expecting to read this kind of poor personal harassment from well respected website contributed by the intelligent writers. Hope Colombo telegraph will maintained their standard avoiding useless article which are not expected to read by the intelligent readers.
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Native Vedda / October 9, 2013
amal
“We are not expecting to read this kind of poor personal harassment from well respected website contributed by the intelligent writers.”
Sajith is a public figure who wants to rule 20 million people as it is his birth right with a false qualification.
Public has the right to know the truth. To this end CT is doing a fine job.
This does not amount to muck raking but an outing of the skeleton in the cupboard.
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Navin / June 19, 2014
Amal, are you Sajith’s cup boy?
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Nano Tina / October 9, 2013
This is NOT about applying for a Company job. What matters is the ability to get votes. Ranil is good, BUT unlucky! and NOW his shelf life is long pass the expiry date. He is NOT marketable anymore. Its better for a not-so-qualified person who has a chance to come to power than a good qualified person who is definitely unable to come to power, which was proven over and over again and becoming worse by every election. I am not saying it should be Sajith, It could be anybody but DEFINITELY NOT RANIL (not from votes of Sri Lankans, perhaps from votes of web site readers he can try to become President of web site community).
At least a change in leadership of UNP may help to build a strong opposition that can, if not come to power, at least that can exert pressure on the government for accountability of many many issues in one voice, which is pathetically lacking by the opposition.
Ranil!, when the curtain falls please leave the stage…… and leave it to the party to decide the new leader who will come to the stage when the curtain raises for the next national level elections. He needs time for costumes and make-up. So please leave NOW! Use your qualifications to practice at the bar…
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Kalu Nangi / October 9, 2013
Karu Jayasuriya is the ideal man to lead the UNP, if people can forget his crossover. But considering how successful Dayasiri Jayasekera has been crossing back and forth, this should not be a problem in our Paradise Island with 21 million people suffering from amnesia!
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Fedrick / October 9, 2013
This is very simple WD Lakshman gave free degrees for his whole family members from Colombo University and later gave them Lecturerships in his University. Why no body bother about this and only Premadasa’s son subject to media inquiry.
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Javi / October 9, 2013
Even in the UK where they issued such a certificate they will not permit a politician who was caught lying to occupy a position involving the public.
Democracy is being accountable and transparent not just elections.
Peace time to lead a country? NO
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clown / October 9, 2013
Idiots put their false education attained in web sdite for more trouble. Anyway Sajith is not capable of being the president of sri lanka. Rajavassas should be thrown out. But they will rigg the elections even stupid ranil or sajith whould not be able to understand in a sound mind how it happaned. And certain % of sri lankans are so stupid they will continue to vote gainst rajavassas becuase they recieved a free bottle of arrack or a loaf of bread by rajavassas. I need to mention this important thing. Majority of the sri lankans value life by how much material things they have gained. Majority of the sri lankans dont care how they earn these material things. They dont care was it obtained legally or illegally. Most of them gain it through illegal means.So creativity, eduation has no value and authentic entrepeurs are discouraged but encouraged to leave the country leaving thughs hooligans and dumb idiots left.
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Peace Dove / October 9, 2013
Sajith had paralysis only in the legs and not the brain, so why couldn’t he sit for the exam?
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Samare / October 9, 2013
In simple words, he is not a son of a great man.
Looking at the manner his father deliberately killed youth accross the country in late 80ties -no any sane would allow his offspring (be qualified or not) to become the leader of the nation. But wonders can easily happen in our lost state. So, it is upto people.
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citizen / October 9, 2013
Kalmunai Mayer claims he is a Doctor , but he was a butcher shop owner in London.
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Vishva / October 9, 2013
I still confused.Most of our politicians show off they are well qualified.Not from Sri Lanka from reputed Universities around the world such as Oxford,Cambridge,LSC,Harvard,Monash,Sorbonne.God knows this degree are honorary or any other basis offered to these people.One thing is clear now these idiots can’t hide their pride any more.Thank you very much CT to disclose this idiots Qualification rackets.That’s what we need to read.Investigative Journalism very important subject.That’s a real democratic principle of freedom of speech come into force in our country. Find out other thing like assets(abroad and local-Commission money of public funding how they played out from our country during that periods ) of former Presidents,Prime Ministers,Their Private Secretaries friends or relatives those who were ruled our country since our independence.some of this connected family members are doing very big business from this way around the world.
Furthermore this should translate into Sinhala Language Section as well.Thank you again.Well done.
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NAK / October 9, 2013
This is hardly surprising and a non-issue. Politicaians are known to lie about everything under the sun and you know it and I know it. Lieing about their education is part of their training for the job I suppose!
My problem is how can one study or enrole for a masters degree with just one years education in an undergraduate programme. Could be another SIX!!
In Sri Lanka politics is the only proffesion that does not require any educational qualifiacations,as such,why bother with false educational qualifications.
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C. Wijeyawickrema / October 9, 2013
This person writing as native vadda is a cheat.
1. He cannot understand that when a person cheat telling he has a degree when he does not it is like some one who lost virginity pretending as a virgin. Such persons can do any amount of other cheating.
2. As a person who got degrees the hard way I have a right to comment about anybody who cheated with regard to his/her degree qualification.
3. Nobody says one has to have degrees to become a good politician, if there are any good politicians in SL. But the question is do not say you have a degree and therefore you are a better qualified politician. This is what Sajith did by words written on his website and spoken at interviews. He wanted to be like NM Perera who came from LSE. or SWRD who came from Oxford. Sajith became a cat on a rock.
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Patriot / October 9, 2013
I am in full agreement with you CW.
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Native Vedda / October 9, 2013
C. Wijeyawickrema
“But the question is do not say you have a degree and therefore you are a better qualified politician.”
This has nothing to do with politicians, by definition they are cheats one way or another.
My point is that why would a politician display his qualification unless the stupid people want the very stupid politicians to be highly educated, an unreasonable expectation from the voters.
Therefore the crooks prepare themselves to satisfy the stupid electorates.
Don’t blame the politicians blame your people.
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Arjuna Seneviratne / October 9, 2013
I fail to see what the zing and buzz is all about. Degrees of any sort are already known to be essentially useless. They don’t show how smart one is or how well one can be trusted to do a particular job. I doubt this gent would suffer a whole lot if he just dropped it and had done with it…
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Ahamed Fazli / October 12, 2013
Dear Arjuna, the zing and buzz is not about whether he actually did get his degree or not. That to me also is immaterial considering the caliber of our politicians today. However, the real crux of the issue is that he tried to deceive you and me, the voting public by using popular social media outlets to falsely claim something he did not have. To me, this,coming from an aspiring politician is downright fraud and is a harbinger of what else might come from him once elected. Im sure you’ve heard of the term Caveat Emptor. Good day to you.
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Batticha / October 9, 2013
When Ranil become the president of the country. sajith will become the peon
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Native Vedda / October 9, 2013
Batticha
Why?
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winston devalliere / October 16, 2013
‘WHEN RANIL BECOME THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNTRY….”
WHAT WILL HE DO ? APPOINT SARATH FONSEKA AS DEFENSE MINISTER TO PROBE WAR CRIMES CHARGES ? ALLOW CHANNEL 4 AND NAVI pILLAY TO HEAD THE PROBE ?
HE WON’T WIN. HE WILL NEED THE TAMIL VOTE FOR THAT. AND I HOPE YOU KNOW THAT THAT MEANS ANOTHER TENURE IN OFFICE FOR THE MOST COWARDLY AND STUPIDEST DONKEY WHO HAD’NT THE FAINTEST CLUE ABOUT IT UNTIL CBK’S WELL AIMED KICK UP HIS ARSE PREVENTED THE LTTE WINING THE EELAM WAR. THAT’S WHAT ANOTHER YEAR IN OFFICE FOR RANIL WOULD HAVE ACHIEVED. AND THAT WOULD HAVE BROUGHT TO FRUITION SANSONI’S APOCALYPTIC WARNING OF FREELY FLOWING BLOOD ACROSS SRI LANKA. HOPE TO GOD THAT YOU’RE NOT OLD ENOUGH TO VOTE. GET DOWN TO YOUR STUDIES BOY ! THE OL’S ARE AROUND THE CORNER.OR IS IT GRADE 6 ?
HOLY SMOKE BOY! STOP SITTING ON YOUR BRAINS SO MUCH. I SEE NOT A SHADE OF GREY MATTER THERE.JUST LOADS OF BROWN AND WHAT A BLOODY STINK !
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Premadasa / October 9, 2013
Do not believe what the media says
Please read my Biography
Sajith Premadasa was born in 1967 into an environment of politics. At the time, his father, Ranasinghe Premadasa, a Member of Parliament representing Colombo Central had already made his presence felt as no ordinary politician.
Sajith having schooled at St Thomas Preparatory College and Royal College, he sat for his ordinary (O/L) and advance level (A/L) examination at Mill Hill School, London. Young Premadasa won the A/L prize for politics and business studies and besides being appointed a prefect, a rare honor for any foreign student, also played in the first 11 cricket team for four years, captaining the side in 1986. A graduate of the London School of Economics (LSE) and Political Science of the University of London, his degree covered the areas of economics, politics and international relations, an education that served him in good stead later when he launched himself as a grassroot politician.
Sajith also had the rare distinction of completing his internship at the U.S. Senate working in it’s Foreign Relations Committee under Senator Larry Pressler a Republican from South Dakota. Sajith met many other influential senators, including John McCain and former presidential candidate John Kerry.
But in 1993, tragedy struck when, Sanjith’s father was assassinated and the young man left America to return to his home in Sri Lanka.
Sajith chose to take the plunge into politics in 1994. It was, incidentally, a year after his father’s assassination. He was made the UNP District Organizer for Hambantota an area of his own choosing. He didn’t lose time in getting on the political track, similar to his father’s Janasaviya, he launched his version a Janasuwaya, to alleviate poverty in the Hambantota District.
After years of working at grassroot level, young Premadasa entered parliament in year 2000 polling the highest number of preferences in hambantota and the highest preference vote percentage of the whole country. He was appointed Deputy Minister of Health when the UNP assumed office a year later.
Education Info (FAKE DIPLOMA)
College: London School of Economics
BSc in International Relations
High School: Royal College, Fails O/L EXAM and left for London
Activities
JanaSuwaya Charity Organization
Interests
Destroying the unp party,Charity, Horse Back Riding, Wild Life Photography, Swimming,
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shankar / October 10, 2013
“Young Premadasa won the A/L prize for politics and business studies and besides being appointed a prefect, a rare honor for any foreign student, also played in the first 11 cricket team for four years, captaining the side in 1986”
He seems to have distinguished himself at this school.Has CT checked this and found Ok?If so this lad is certainly done much better than his father at school especially at cricket and we are a cricket mad country.He seems to have also started his political career well in hambantota just like his dad did in colombo central.Only major difference between the father and him is Sajith lacks the patience of his father in being the no 2.As Dharisha Bastians says premedasa never damaged the party being a faithful no2 to JR.Unfortunately Sajith went on a different path trying to topple a man who stood by his father at his time of need against gamini and Lalith.Patience is not his virtue it seems just like most of his generation and nor gratitude.
Sajit should talk to the bhikkus who put out the leadership board idea and check whether they are happy with ranil’s offer and give his counter offer if necessary and see what they say.he should take the advice of these monks and keep a strong communication with them.
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Horikadey / October 12, 2013
Is there a record anywhere of Sajith having made a impromptu
address to any of the recognised “think-tank” institutions
in Sri Lanka on any subject of national importance. I refer to
bodies like Marga, OPA, CPA, ICES and the like. Has he subjected himself to a Q&A session with the media or in any public forum.
I am not referring to the type of that disgraceful e-mail interview of that scum Malaka – son of Kudu Mervin, which is all
humbug and only meant for laughs.
I am no particular fan of Ranil. But in fairness to him I must say prior to the last Presidential Election he addressed the OPA for over an hour and convincingly answered several questions from the learned audience – in politics, governance, foreign policy, finance and so on. Even those opposed to him told me he is a leader in many ways. Mahinda R was given the same opportunity but
backed out. Wanna know why?
Sajith is good for a Deputy Minister and nothing more although
his ambition seem to be limitless. At least his father had the gift of the gab in Sinhala.
Horikadey
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shankar / October 13, 2013
first he has to get the votes of the masses/asses mate.Addressing all these forums are of no use to get that votes.Without the votes you have no job.Ranil can address all these intellectual forums which are avidly attended by the elite for the rest of his life but that will not get him the vote of the jackasses that matter.
Sajith and mahinda knows which side their bread is buttered and are playing the game accordingly just like ranasinghe premedasa.Sajith has done a good job in his electorate hambantota,which is the stronghold of the rajapakshes and has got the highest preferential votes.he seems to be more focused on the ground level than in the upper levels of society.
I wonder whether the UNP being harsh on him could be due to caste.If so the UNP should ditch caste as 20th the century srilankan/indian rubbish and move on into the 21st century.
Merit should be the only criteria for getting a job in the increasingly ferocious competitive 21st century.Countries that follow the merit principle will prosper and others will fail.
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Gandha Azwer / October 10, 2013
“Interests
Destroying the unp party,Charity, Horse Back Riding, Wild Life Photography, Swimming,”
Then where does treaure-hunting fit in? And pilfering state treasures for sale at Portobello Road?
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BATTICHHA / October 9, 2013
There is no place for dayan jayatilake at unp as long as ranil is the leader.dayan cannot manipulate ranil.
When ranasinghe premadasa was president of sri lanka dayan jayatilake was one of the favorite of premadasa and he wrote many articles to news papers for premadasa.
then he joined the mahinda rajapaksa and played his own game at Geneva and kicked him out from the diplomatic post.
now work with sirasa media and work for UNP REFORMIST and asking people of sri lanka to PROMOTE UEDUCATED MOUTHFULL LIER LIKE SAJITH PREMADASA.
DAYAN JAYATILAKE SHOULD TALK ABOUT SAJITH PREMADASAS FAKE DIPLOMA AND HE WOULD PROMOTE UNEDUCATED PERSON TO BECOME THE LEADER OF THE UNP.
I THINK RANIL SHOULD INVESTIGATE SAJITH PREMADASES EDUCATION QULIFICATION TO MAKE SURE HE HAS THE GENUNE DIGREE. IF DOES NOT HAVE RANIL SHOULD FIRE SAJITH FROM UNP.
NOW MANY UNPERS WILL UNDERSTAND WHO IS THE REAL NAPONSAKA AND REAL AWAJATAKA.
DAYAN JAYATILAKE HAS NOTHING TO DO AT HOME AND LOOKING FOR A JOB.
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Batticha / October 10, 2013
MR native vedda
WHY, THIS IS WHY
I KNOW that you do not understand. TELL ME SOMETHING with NO O/L PASS IN SRI LANKA AND HAD GONE TO ENGLAND HAD SUCESSFULLY OBTAIN (A degree certificate by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) as a Bachelor of Science (Economics) in International Relations.)A DIGREE.(FAKE)
IF HE HAD APPLIED FOR A ANY OTHER JOB (OTHER THAN POLITICS) IN SRI LANKA I AM GURANTEEEEE THAT NOBODY WOULD HIRE HIM FOR ANY JOB.
MAN THIS LITTLE PREMADASA IS MISLEADING WHOLE COUNTRY. THIS GUY IS NO MORE SUITABLE FOR ANY POSITION IN THE UNP. BECAUSE HE HAD REPETEDLY LIED TO THE COUNTRY AND TO THE WHOLE WORLD THROUGH ONLINE (FACEBOOK AND WIKELEAKS)
IT IS VERY CLEAR THAT SAJTH IS PLAYING THE LAST MATCH WITHIN THE UNP UNDER RANILS LEADERSHIP.
WHICH COUNTRY IN THE REAL WORLD THAT OFFER DIGREE WITHOUT BASIC EDUCATION.
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Native Vedda / October 10, 2013
Batticha
“IF HE HAD APPLIED FOR A ANY OTHER JOB (OTHER THAN POLITICS) IN SRI LANKA I AM GURANTEEEEE THAT NOBODY WOULD HIRE HIM FOR ANY JOB.”
But he was born in a political family whose father’s academic achievement was much lower than the son’s. A lot of voters liked him and voted for him.
Mrs B was not a high achiever either.
After all Sajith wants to be a successful politician and its for the voters to decide.
JR was a lawyer and Banda was educated in his then mother country UK. What were their political legacy?
Please note I am not a Sajith supporter. The point I am making here is that one does not need qualification to be politician.
“MAN THIS LITTLE PREMADASA IS MISLEADING WHOLE COUNTRY.”
So are all politicians.
“WHICH COUNTRY IN THE REAL WORLD THAT OFFER DIGREE WITHOUT BASIC EDUCATION.”
India
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Fathima Fukushima / October 10, 2013
Rajafucksa is no better. :)
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RajasH / October 10, 2013
for gods sake he is not aspiring to become the CEO of a multintional company?
at worst he wants to be the UNP leader at best President of Sinhala Buddhist Sri Lanka
no need for any qualification or intellect for either of the aspiration
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batticha / October 10, 2013
THIS WEDDA Mrs B was not a high achiever either YES IT HAPPENED 20TH CENTURY.
YES,JR was a lawyer and Banda was educated in his then mother country UK. What were their political legacy?
BUT THEY NEVER HAD FAKE LAW DIGREE!
HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT PEOPLE CAN OBTAIN A FAKE DIGREE FROM INDIA.
I GUESS YOU GOT ONE FROM INDIA!
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kabaragoya / October 11, 2013
Kabaraya does not like small fish like Sajith. What about GL Pieris? Did he plagiarize his PhD or not?
Sajith can become president and join the rogues gallery. But, GLP was vice chancellor before joining the den of thievess. Inquire good.
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Burgher Boy / October 12, 2013
Kabs,
Are you suggesting Professori (GLP) is a Dr. Cut & Paste?
I think not. I have heard him both in Sinhala and English.
He is brilliant in both. But in politics he is a katussa
who has lost the respect the public had for him for years.
Burgher Boy
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Thrishantha / October 16, 2013
Sajith still tries to gain recognition for his father’s genes. If he is properly educated, he should have more originality and sharper vision. His father had his own ideas and a vision, though he used brute force tactics to implementing them. I have not yet heard from Sajith what his vision is for post war Sri Lanka. All messages I get make me believe that he is also just another Nationalist trying to appease Southern Sinhala-Buddhist chauvinism than one who has the courage to build a Nation with unity among all ethnicities. So, I don’t think his education or vision is thorough enough to do justice to the name “United National Party”.
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Andare / June 19, 2014
Who says that one needs to highly educated to be President of Sri Lanka?
The most successful President Sri Lanka ever had (cheating the country and lining his own pocket with millions of $$$$$$ of infrastructure development funds) has been Mahinda Buruwa Rajapaksa. Everyone knows that his thought process is retarded. Proof: his mouth is open most of the time trying to complete the last sentence he started.
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Muheed Jeeran / April 2, 2015
The UK University System they offer 360 credits for an honours degree in 3 years of full time study and each year student should should complete 120 credits worth module (Each module credit worth of 10 or 20 credits but for the final year project worth 30 credits)However if any student passed 300 credits after completion of 3 years can obtain Ordinary Degree without honours. First Year they considered as Diploma and second year is Higher Diploma and Degree for the final year. my major is also BSc. So I agree with you news… However I don’t think Degree does matter for anyone to be successful in their political or professional career. Even Bil Gates was a first year drop out student. A leadership needs honesty and dedication, eager to make great achievement on economic and social development of a country. But it is important clear any contradiction about that leader’s past records in order to prevent any backfires.
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Jayantha / April 3, 2015
[Edited out] We are sorry, the comment language is English – CT
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rohantha / April 3, 2015
Degree Does not matter , how you perform as a politician. but the issue is why politicians are trying to show off non existent degrees.
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