The educational qualifications of Vimal and Mihintale Thero, who are protesting against educational reforms

Below is a description of the educational qualifications of two individuals who are strongly expressing their views on the educational reforms currently proposed to be implemented. This considers the qualifications of former Minister Wimal Weerawansa and Walawahangunawewa Dhammaratana Thero, popularly known as Mihintale Himi.

The primary objective of this article is to investigate their substantial knowledge and experience regarding changes in the field of education.

Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa received his primary education from Kalutara Tissa Central College and also represented the school cricket team. His highest formal educational qualification is passing eight subjects at the G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination. Although he began studying for the Advanced Level, the school administration removed him due to insufficient attendance. Accordingly, he has not had the opportunity to complete the G.C.E. Advanced Level or any university degree.

Meanwhile, according to official data reports released by the Sri Lankan Parliament in 2023, Mr. Wimal Weerawansa is among the Members of Parliament who have not submitted detailed information about their educational and professional qualifications to the Parliament Secretariat. According to the classification of the highest educational qualifications of Members of Parliament, he has been included in the category of MPs who have only completed the G.C.E. Ordinary Level as their qualification.

Various information has been reported about the educational background of Venerable Walawahangunawewa Dhammarathana Thero, also known as the Mihintale Thero, and there are several publicly confirmed facts in this regard. According to media reports published in 2013, the Thero received his basic education from Dharmapala Vidyalaya before becoming the Chief Incumbent of the Mihintale Rajamaha Viharaya. Those old records bear witness to the basic education of the Thero, who was then known by the lay name Walawahangunawewa Rathanapala Rathanajothi. It is stated that the Thero, who subsequently entered the Buddhist order, received his ordination on 14 May 1990. Although these milestones related to Venerable Dhammarathana Thero's ordination are recorded, there are no publicly confirmed records of his secondary or university-level education. In particular, there is no clear documentation or information in the public media about the degrees or higher foreign educational qualifications that the Venerable may have obtained. In the case of most Sri Lankan Buddhist monks, formal secular educational qualifications beyond rural or primary education are not usually publicly highlighted, except in special cases such as university education or holding academic positions. It can be observed that much of the public media coverage of Venerable Dhammarathana has focused primarily on his role as the chief incumbent and the public statements he makes, rather than on his detailed educational career.