ICLP developing various aspects on modern arbitration - SS Wijeratne

Sarath Malalasekera

For the speedy development of international commercial relationships, it is imperative that like in the developed countries modern Arbitration Law and Institutions be developed.

Following the enactment of the Arbitration law, Institute for the Development of Commercial Law and Practice (ICLP) established the only Institutional Arbitration Centre in Sri Lanka in 1996, said ICLP Course Director, Legal Aid Commission (LAC) Chairman S.S. Wijeratne delivering the welcome address at the ICLP Award Ceremony held recently.

The Chief Guest was Supreme Court Judge Justice Shiranee Tilakawardane.

The ICLP Course Director emphasised that fifteen years have passed since the enactment of the modern Sri Lanka Arbitration Act No.11 of 1995.

During the past fifteen years, ICLP has taken meaningful steps to develop various aspects of modern arbitration in Sri Lanka. Development of ICLP Arbitration Centre Rules both for regular and Expedited Arbitrations, developing a code of Ethics for arbitration and publication of Arbitration Law in Sri Lanka; the only book on arbitration in Sri Lanka are among the steps taken. Further Initiatives have been taken to work closely with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce to develop arbitrations both nationally and internationally through the ICLP Arbitration Centre.

One of the most important initiatives of ICLP Arbitration Centre was the launch of a six months Diploma Course in Commercial Arbitration in 2004, to train graduated senior executives, lawyers, accountants, engineers, quantity surveyors.

Up to 2010 about 130 Diploma holders have completed ICLP Arbitrators Training Program. This Program has been conducted by the leading experts in Arbitration both in the Judiciary and professions such as legal and construction, the ICLP Course Director said.

ICLP Chief Executive Officer Hemamali Amarasinghe conducted the proceedings at the awards ceremony.

The S.S. Wijeratne award for the Best Student went to Attorney-at-Law Dinuka Kottegoda. K.C. Kamalasabayson Scholarship holder was Ishara Madarasinghe, Program Officer, Registrar ICLP Arbitration Centre. Eleven students obtained Merit Passes and Sixteen students obtained ordinary passes.