by Saman Indrajith

Parliament authorities are still in the process of verifying the educational qualifications of all MPs, as several MPs, including former Speaker Asoka Ranwala, have not yet been able to provide the necessary documentary proof. This has led to a delay in determining the exact number of degree holders in the House, according to parliamentary sources.

Despite this, parliamentary records and the official website have provided insight into the qualifications of MPs, revealing that there are currently 20 MPs with MBBS degrees. The distribution of qualifications among MPs is as follows:

There are currently 20 MPs with MBBS degrees, including 16 from the NPP, two from ITAK, one from SJB, and one Independent. Additionally, 14 MPs hold BA degrees, with 13 from the NPP, one from ITAK, and one from SJB. The BSc qualification is held by 20 MPs, with 15 from the NPP, four from SJB, and one from SLPP. Five MPs hold BCom degrees, all from the NPP, while two MPs have BBMgmt degrees (one from NPP and one from SJB). One MP has a degree in BBus Stat (from NPP), and one MP (from ACMC) holds a BBA degree. There is also one MP with a dental degree (from NPP) and one MP with a veterinary degree (from NPP).

In terms of postgraduate qualifications, four MPs hold MA degrees, with two from NPP, one from SJB, and one from ITAK. There are two MPs with MSc degrees, both from NPP, and four MPs with MBA degrees, including two from NPP, one from SJB, and one from Mavubima Janatha Party. Furthermore, two MPs have MEd degrees, with one from NPP and one from ITAK. A total of 27 MPs hold AAL/LLB degrees, with 16 from NPP, seven from SJB, one from UNP, one from ITAK, one from SLMC, and one from ACTC. Finally, 11 MPs hold PhDs, with eight from NPP, two from SJB, and one from SLMC.

Parliamentary sources indicated that while efforts are ongoing to obtain and verify all educational documents, the current figures provide an overview of the range of academic qualifications held by MPs across different parties. Further updates will be provided once the full verification process is completed, the sources said.