University of Colombo

Faculty of Law

Department of Public & International Law

Advanced Certificate in Fundamentals of Criminal Law
ACFCL
2025
Online Mode

SLQF Level 02

INTRODUCTION

This is an Advanced Certificate Course offered by the Department of Public and International Law, Faculty of Law.  It is in par with the requirements of Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework (SLQF) Level 2, to be conducted by the Department of Public and International Law, as an extension course. The Advanced Certificate Course in Fundamentals of Criminal Law is designed to provide the interested individuals in the country a basic understanding of the principles of Criminal Law as applied in Sri Lanka. Those individuals who have the educational qualification of General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) Examination or above or any other equivalent qualification are eligible to apply for this course of study.

Being one of the major branches of Public Law, Criminal Law is an important subject basic knowledge of which is essential for all individuals in conducting themselves as law abiding citizens. In order to protect themselves from violation of their physical integrity and breach of peace in the society, familiarity of the procedures involved in enforcing the law is also equally vital for a vibrant society.

By introducing a study programme of this nature, the Department of Public & International Law, Faculty of Law contributes to creating awareness among the cross sections of the society of the need to know the causes for the increased crime rate and the effective means of combating the crimes without compromising on individual liberty.

OBJECTIVES

This course is designed to enable the participants to understand the fundamentals of Criminal Law in simplified terms. Also, it is intended to disseminate knowledge of Criminal Law from practical perspective.

ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS

• The applicants should possess a minimum of five credit passes, in one and the same sitting of the GCE (Ordinary Level) examination or an equivalent qualification. OR
• Completion of the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level – 3 or any other academic qualification which is equivalent to the G.C.E. O/L examination, as acceptable to the Faculty Board of the Faculty of Law and the Senate of the University of Colombo OR
• Successful completion of any other relevant Certificate/Advanced Certificate/ Diploma/Higher Diploma offered by the University of Colombo or any other University/Institute recognized by the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka

(Prior knowledge in the subject of Law is NOT necessary.)

TARGET GROUP

This course is designed to enable the participants to understand the basics/fundamentals of Criminal Law provided in simplified terms. Also, it is intended to disseminate knowledge of Criminal Law from practical angles.

MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION

This course will be conducted in three languages; Sinhala, Tamil and English subject to adequate applications received for each medium as determined by the Department. The participants should have the ability to read and understand the study materials in English.

EVALUATION STRUCTURE

The evaluation will comprise two forms, i.e., Continuous Assessment and End of Course Assessment

1. A) Continuous Assessment consists of minimum of two components :
2. a) 10% for Active Class Participation on continued

basis

1. b) 20% for Assignment/s which take different forms, including, but not limited to, Take Home Assignments, Field Surveys & Report Presentation, Group work and Oral Presentation, etc.

End of Course Assessment – 70% [Course-End Examination (one paper) OR Submission of ‘Papers’ and viva voce examination] The course-end examination will be conducted physically at the Faculty of Law as an open book examination.

1. The achievement structure will be as follows:

• • Pass – 50% – 64% of total marks
  • Merit pass – 65% – 74% of total marks
  • Distinction pass – 75% or above of total marks.

NUMBER OF ATTEMPTS

A candidate who fails to secure a pass mark in the first attempt will be permitted to undertake additional TWO attempts only. Attendance will not be considered for the 2nd or 3rd attempt. In such an event, the candidate will be marked out of 20% for an assignment component which the candidate has to do afresh and he/she will be marked out of 80% for the Course-End Examination. The pass mark will remain the same as prescribed above.

However, such a repeat candidate will not be eligible for Merit Pass or Distinction Pass even though he/she might have secured marks equivalent to them. A candidate who could not sit for the Course-End Examination due to medical reasons or any other valid reasons, supported by documentary evidence acceptable to the University, may be excused from sitting the Course-End Examination and that Examination will not be considered as an attempt. However, the candidate shall take the Course-End Examination at the very next attempt when it is held.

COURSE FEE STRUCTURE (IN LKR)

APPLYING FOR THE PROGRAMME

Download Application forms and other related information:

Download

Pay Application Fee

Application Fee: 1000 LKR

Bank: People’s Bank
Branch: Thimbirigasyaya
Name: University of Colombo
Ref. Number: 3 1 0 0 1 7 6 0 0 0 0 6

Note: Mobile Banking, Online Transfers, and CDM Deposits are NOT VALID. You will have to pay from any People’s Bank counter.

Duly Completed application which on be downloaded from the above along with scanned certified copies of certificates and scanned copy of bank payment slip should be sent by email to acfcl@law.cmb.ac.lk or sent under registered post to Coordinator, Advanced Certificate in Fundamentals of Criminal Law, Department of Public & International Law, Faculty of Law, University of Colombo, Philip Gunawardana Mawatha (Reid Avenue), Colombo 07 on or before 31^st July 2025.

FURTHER INFORMATION

011 –2585639
077-4808032
acfcl@law.cmb.ac.lk

https://law.cmb.ac.lk

Coordinator,

Advanced Certificate in Fundamentals of Criminal Law (ACFCL)

Department of Public & International Law,

Faculty of Law, University of Colombo,

Philip Gunawardana Mawatha

(Reid Avenue), Colombo 07