Inauguration of the LL.M. by Coursework Programme 2023/2024
On the 21st of July, 2023, the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo celebrated the successful inauguration of the Master of Laws by Coursework Programme 2023/2024.
The evening was graced by Chief Guest, His Lordship Honourable Justice Janak de Silva, Judge of the Supreme Court of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Guest of Honour, Senior Professor (Chair) H. D. Karunaratne, Vice Chancellor, University of Colombo, Professor (Dr.) Nishantha Sampath Punchihewa, Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo, distinguished members of the academic staff, non-academic staff as well as students who were admitted to follow the Masters programme.
The event began with a warm welcome by Professor (Dr.) Punchihewa where he introduced the faculty to the students and made them feel at home. He expressed his enthusiasm regarding the diverse students from all walks of life the programme had attracted and was assured that as long as the students made the maximum use of all the available resources and classroom discussions, the final output of the programme was going to be an absolute success.
Next, Senior Professor (Chair) H. D. Karunaratne spoke a few words on the importance of the field of economics and entrepreneurship in today’s day and age. He propounded how the time for blaming politicians should be behind us and each of us, one and all, should take responsibility for a better tomorrow. He spoke on the importance of networking for students and how the social skills that students cultivate and the connections that they make will hold them in good stead for years to come.
The keynote address was delivered by His Lordship Honourable Justice Janak de Silva. His Lordship delivered a timely and relevant speech where he spoke of the importance and symbiotic relationship between the academy and practice. He encouraged students to bask in the sweet aroma of academia where they would have the pleasure and privilege to delve deeper into doctrine, theory, and the conceptual foundations of the law. His speech showed a way in which the academic, practitioner and judge can meet at a crossroads as friends as opposed to antagonists with the common aim of developing the law.
The three Heads of Departments – Professor Kokila Konasinghe, Head of the Department of Public and International Law, Mr. Menaka Harankaha, Head of the Department of Commercial Law, Dr. Udapadie Liyanage, Head of the Department of Private and Comparative Law – passionately introduced their respective departments to the students and warmly welcomed them on board. Regardless of which department the students would pick, there is no doubt that they would be in amazing hands.
Finally, the vote of thanks was delivered by Ms. Pramoda Vithanage, Coordinator of the Master of Laws by Coursework Programme for 2023/2024.
The evening ended on a high note with spirits lifted with the sweet promise of a wonderful journey for all the students admitted. It was brought to a close with the induction programme conducted by Mr. Isuru Liyanage, Coordinator of the Master of Laws by Coursework and Research Programme for 2023/2024.
