-By A Special Correspondent
(Lanka-e-News -15.Dec.2024, 11.20 PM) In the world of Sri Lankan politics, allegations are as common as coconut trees, but the accusations against Namal Rajapaksa, the scion of one of Sri Lanka’s most powerful families, take the cake—or perhaps the exam paper. The son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is under the spotlight for allegedly cheating on his law final exam.
These claims, first brought to light by whistleblower Thushara Jayarathna, suggest a scandal involving leaked exam papers, hidden air-conditioned rooms, and a tarnished reputation for Sri Lanka’s legal profession. It’s a story straight out of a political soap opera, but with serious implications for the country’s legal and political systems.
Let’s start with Jayarathna, the man behind the allegations. Currently living in Switzerland under alleged threats, Jayarathna claims that Namal Rajapaksa received the law final exam papers several days before the actual test. He further alleges that Namal was given special treatment during the exam, including a private, air-conditioned room, computer facility with internet, far away from the prying eyes of fellow test-takers.
But the most damning part of the accusation? Namal’s apparent lack of legal knowledge. According to Jayarathna, over 40 lawyers have privately admitted that Namal doesn’t possess even a basic understanding of legal principles. If true, this raises serious questions about how he managed to pass his law exams in the first place.
The idea of a hidden, air-conditioned room for one candidate is both absurd and infuriating. Imagine dozens of aspiring lawyers sweating it out in a crowded exam hall while Namal sits comfortably in his private oasis, armed with what some allege were pre-supplied answers.
Was it a study session or a cozy retreat? Either way, the alleged setup reeks of favoritism and a blatant disregard for fairness.
The legal profession in Sri Lanka has long been considered a prestigious and noble field. However, the allegations against Namal have cast a shadow over its reputation. Lawyers and legal academics alike are questioning how such a situation was allowed to occur.
One senior attorney, speaking on condition of anonymity, remarked, “If Namal truly cheated his way into the legal profession, it undermines the integrity of the entire system. How can we trust the process if people can simply bypass it with political connections?”
Critics have pointed out that Namal’s legal career hasn’t exactly been a shining example of brilliance. According to multiple sources, Namal has struggled with even the most basic legal concepts.
“His legal advice is like a poorly written contract—full of loopholes and lacking substance,” one lawyer quipped. Another added, “He doesn’t even know the difference between tort and contract law. It’s embarrassing.”
The newly elected National People’s Power (NPP) government now faces a critical test. Will they investigate these allegations thoroughly, or will this scandal, like so many others in Sri Lankan history, be swept under the rug?
The NPP has promised a break from the corruption and nepotism of previous administrations. A fair and transparent investigation into Namal’s alleged exam cheating could serve as a litmus test for their commitment to justice.
This scandal isn’t confined to Sri Lanka. According to reports, Namal used his legal qualifications to secure a U.S. visa, claiming his status as a lawyer. If those qualifications were obtained fraudulently, it could have serious consequences.
The U.S. State Department, which has reportedly been informed of the allegations, could impose a lifetime visa ban on Namal for providing false information. The European Union might also take notice, further isolating the once-powerful Rajapaksa family on the international stage.
Namal’s alleged actions are symptomatic of a larger issue in Sri Lanka: the entrenched culture of nepotism and privilege. From politics to education, the Rajapaksa family has often been accused of bending the rules to suit their interests.
This isn’t the first time Namal has faced allegations of impropriety. His political career has been dogged by accusations of corruption and misuse of public funds. However, the law exam scandal strikes at the heart of Sri Lanka’s legal and educational institutions, making it particularly egregious.
Jayarathna, the whistleblower who first brought these allegations to light, deserves credit for his bravery. However, his journey hasn’t been easy. He claims to have received multiple death threats, forcing him to flee Sri Lanka for Switzerland.
Despite the risks, Jayarathna remains committed to exposing the truth. He has reportedly gathered evidence to support his claims, including testimonies from individuals involved in the exam process.
The question now is whether the NPP government will allow him to present this evidence in a fair and impartial investigation.
Regardless of the outcome of this scandal, it highlights the urgent need for reform in Sri Lanka’s legal and educational systems. Exam processes must be made more transparent, and special privileges for politically connected individuals must be eliminated.
The legal profession must also take a hard look at itself. If the allegations against Namal are true, it suggests a failure at multiple levels—from the law college that allegedly facilitated the cheating to the legal community that has remained largely silent on the issue.
While the allegations are serious, the situation also lends itself to a certain dark humor. Consider the image of Namal, seated in his private, air-conditioned exam room, poring over papers he may have already seen. It’s almost laughable—if it weren’t so infuriating.
One lawyer joked, “If Namal wrote his own legal arguments the way he allegedly passed his exams, every case would end with ‘to be continued.’
Another quipped, “Maybe the hidden room was soundproof too. It’s the only explanation for why he didn’t hear the outrage outside.”
For Namal Rajapaksa, the allegations represent a major challenge to his credibility and career. If he truly cheated his way into the legal profession, the consequences could be severe—not just for him, but for the entire Rajapaksa dynasty.
For Sri Lanka, this scandal is an opportunity to demand accountability and reform. The NPP government has the chance to prove that no one, no matter how powerful, is above the law.
And for the rest of us, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the truth is stranger—and more absurd—than fiction. Whether Namal’s law career is built on solid ground or shaky foundations, one thing is clear: this story is far from over.
Let’s hope the investigation isn’t written in invisible ink.
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by (2024-12-15 22:41:33)
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