Law library for Kaduwela

Sarath MALALASEKERA

The legal fraternity of the Kaduwela District has been greatly empowered due to the encouragement and support of the Kaduwela District Court Judge Prasantha de Silva, along with the dedication and hard work put in by the members of the Kaduwela Bar Association, said Senior Attorney at Law Upali Senaratne.

Senior Attorney Senaratne made these observations when contacted to obtain views on the latest developments relating to the profession within the Kaduwela District.

Members of the legal profession in Kaduwela have witnessed, during recent times, the realization of needs greatly desired and felt by them for quite a long time.

One of the most significant additions in recent times witnessed by the lawyers as well as the litigants within the Kaduwela District is the opening of well equipped Law Library.

The collection of legal literature -which consists of New Law Reports and Sri Lanka Law Reports an eclectic assortment of rich and varied legal texts and law journals concerning domestic as well as international legal issues- could very well be termed as one of the bests in Sri Lanka, and probably the best outside Colombo.

This has been one of the sterling contributions of the Kaduwela District Judge Prasantha de Silva, who took a special interest in ensuring that the lawyers of the District have ready access to legal jurisprudence, which would not only benefit them individually, but also the cause of the clients they represent and further contribute to the development of the law. This has been a much felt need. Another significant initiative taken by the lawyers at Kaduwela bar is the launch of a law journal titled "Lex Recensio" (Law Review), published by the Kaduwela Bar Association. It is latest as well as one of the most significant additions to the legal literature of the country, which brings together an important collection of articles on topical and critical legal issues written by former justices of the higher courts, members of the Inner Bar, as well as senior and junior lawyers.

The journal also carries numerous unpublished judgements of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court Judge Justice Nimal Gamini Amaratunga was the Chief Guest at the ceremony held at the Kaduwela District Court premises.

Law Review is one of the unique contributions made by any District towards the dissemination of knowledge concerning the law and is a development that is greatly welcomed by all.

The inaugural issue of the journal consists of contributions made by former Supreme Court Judge Justice J.F.A. Soza, High Court Judge Ruwan Fernando, District Judges Ranga Wimalasena and Lakmal Wickremasuriya, President's Counsel Harsha Soza, Wijedasa Rajapaksa, Manohara de Silva, Senior Attorney Upali Senaratne and Senior State Counsel Ayesha Jinasena.

Senaratne said that these are unique and unprecedented achievements that the Kaduwela Bar can be proud today.

These developments mark the coming into fruition of a collective effort exerted by the legal profession of the District which includes, in particular Kaduwela Bar Association President Hemantha Wettasinghe and Secretary Kamal Wijesiri.

This is a united effort on the part of the lawyers which deserves to be lauded, Senior Attorney Senaratne said.