Student Welcome Ceremony of the Orientation Programme for New Entrants (2022)
The Student Welcome Ceremony, which inaugurated the Orientation Programme for New Entrants to the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo, was held on 9th March 2022. In a world with many online gatherings, it was wonderful to be able to meet physically at the New Arts Theatre to commemorate this momentous occasion.
The Ceremony opened with the singing of the National Anthem and the welcome address was delivered by the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr. Sampath Punchihewa. While welcoming the students, Dr. Punchihewa pointed out that this batch was fortunate to be selected in the year that the Faculty of Law celebrates its Diamond Jubilee. This was followed by a video introducing the Faculty of Law and the University of Colombo. Next, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo, Professor Chandrika N. Wijeyaratne, addressed the gathering. Her speech, among other things, emphasised the difference between university and school education, the necessity of promoting a research-oriented education system at the university level, and the values that students should exemplify during their time in university.
This was followed by speeches by the Heads of Departments of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Wasantha Seneviratne, Dr. Udapadie Liyanage and Mr. Menaka Harankaha. Prof. A. Sarveswaran addressed the gathering as well. They introduced the subjects taught within each department and encouraged students to engage enthusiastically in their studies. Next, in order to introduce students to services and practices within the university system and the behavioural standards expected of them, speeches were delivered by Dr. G.R.P. Silva, Senior Student Counsellor, University of Colombo; Ms. Gayani de Silva, Assistant Registrar, Student and Staff Affairs, University of Colombo; Ms, Vajira Hapuhinna, Deputy Registrar, Examinations; and Mr. P.S.P. Direckz, Deputy Chief Marshall, University of Colombo. The former president of the Students’ Union of the Faculty of Law also addressed the gathering.
The Ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks which was given by Mr. Isuru Liyanage, Convenor, Orientation Programme, Faculty of Law. This was followed by an introduction to the Learning Management System (LMS) and participating in online lectures, which was delivered by Ms. Shanthi Gamage and Ms. Janani Sathiyaseelan.
The Ceremony was well attended and was well received by all of the new entrants. The Faculty of Law warmly welcomes all the new students, and we look forward to working together with the Diamond Jubilee batch. We also take this opportunity to wish them all the very best as they set out on this new journey.
