The privilege of the path: investigating a high-profile legal qualification
In short: How does a political dynasty secure the credentials of the law? For Namal Rajapaksa, the journey from a rugby captain to an attorney at law became a flashpoint of controversy, involving allegations of special cubicles, unrecognized universities, and a trail of legal scrutiny that persists today.
Namal Rajapaksa, the eldest son of former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, qualified as an attorney at law in 2011. However, his academic path has faced intense scrutiny. Reports emerged that his degree from City University London may not have been on the Law College's recognized list when he applied in September 2009, only being added a few weeks later in October. Furthermore, discrepancies were noted between his academic transcripts, which showed a third-class pass, and certificates that claimed a 'Class Three with Honours.'
The controversy deepened with allegations of preferential treatment during his final examinations at Sri Lanka Law College. A fellow student, Thushara Jayarathna, alleged that Rajapaksa was provided with a private room and an internet-enabled computer. While a college investigation concluded the claims were 'unfounded' and based on hearsay, the incident led to significant unrest. Jayarathna reported being harassed and allegedly assaulted by police, a situation that prompted Chief Justice Asoka de Silva to warn that such suspicions could damage the credibility of the entire legal profession.
These allegations are not isolated to his education; they mirror a broader pattern of scrutiny regarding his political and business interests. This includes investigations into money laundering involving a 70 million rupee gift from an Indian real estate company and the awarding of exclusive sports broadcast rights to his television channel without a competitive tender. As of 2025, the Criminal Investigation Department has reopened inquiries into his legal qualifications, highlighting a persistent tension between inherited influence and the requirements of public integrity.
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