In a startling revelation, Fonseka Wannerichega Hema Ranjini, a 44-year-old dropout from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), has been found guilty of forging a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the university, according to The Straits Times.
This deceptive act spanned over 16 years, from 2005 to 2021, during which Fonseka managed to secure positions in reputable companies, including The Walt Disney Company, Marshall Cavendish, and Scholastic Education International.
The Art of Deception: Crafting a Fake Degree
1. The NTU Journey: From Dropout to Forger
Fonseka’s educational journey at NTU began in 1998, but her struggles led to a dropout in August 2004. Undeterred, she resorted to creating a fake certificate in 2005, claiming to have graduated with a third-class honors degree in engineering.
2. The Blueprint of Deceit: Forging the Certificate
Using a computer program, Fonseka meticulously designed the forged certificate by incorporating her name and major into a template found online. This document served as her golden ticket to a series of fraudulent employments.
The Employment Odyssey: A Journey Through Deceptive Gains
3. Marshall Cavendish: The First Illusion
In August 2005, Fonseka secured a role at Marshall Cavendish, starting as an assistant managing editor with a monthly salary of $4,200. Her tenure at the company remains unclear, but court documents reveal her progression to an acquisition associate from November 2012 to May 2013.
4. Scholastic Education International: Climbing the Deceptive Ladder
Joining Scholastic in July 2015, Fonseka continued her charade as an assistant managing editor, later getting promoted to managing editor. Despite her eventual termination in 2017, she received a total of $83,800 during her tenure.
5. Walt Disney: The Culmination of Deception
In 2021, Fonseka reached the pinnacle of her deceit by joining The Walt Disney Company in South-east Asia. Hired as a learning editor, she earned $6,800 per month with additional allowances. The truth surfaced when Disney validated her certificate, uncovering the elaborate web of lies.
The Unraveling of Deception: The Fallout Begins
6. Exposed: Disney’s Discovery
Walt Disney’s verification process brought Fonseka’s deception to light. Upon NTU’s confirmation of her non-existent degree, the company sought an explanation.
7. Police Involvement: The Legal Consequences
In October 2021, an NTU employee filed a police report, initiating a legal process. Facing charges of cheating and forgery, Fonseka resigned from Walt Disney in December 2021, having received approximately $47,300 during her brief employment.