‘Law students, heirs to a proud history’

Sarath Malalasekera

‘Chief Justice Dr Shirani A Bandaranayake, chairperson of the Council of Legal Education, has always followed the progress of the Law College with keen interest and has been always supportive of Law College activities.

‘The Chief Justice's dedication and commitment to the legal profession and education, wealth of knowledge and experience makes her a role model worthy of emulating by the younger generation, said Sri Lanka Law College Principal Dr W D Rodrigo addressing the Sri Lanka Law College awards ceremony recently.

Chief Justice Dr Shirani A Bandaranayake was the Chief Guest at the awards ceremony. Attorney General, President's Counsel Eva Wanasundera was the Guest of Honour.

‘Last year (2011) was certainly a year to remember as the Law College celebrated its 137 anniversary and more importantly the centenary of the present College premises.

The main building of the College, which is one of the most impressive pieces of architecture, was constructed in 1911 and completes 100 years.

This magnificent building remains a thriving focal point of Law College and is a major architectural jewel in our country, the Law College Principal said.

He emphasised that it was evident from the history of the College, that Sri Lanka Law College was one of the oldest professional training bodies in the country. During its proud history, it has trained all lawyers who have served the nation with fervour not only in the field of law, but also in various other fields, such as, politics, social reforms, commerce, trade union activities and religion. “We are proud to state that two of the five Executive Presidents of the Democrative Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, including the present President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, have had their higher education and training at the Sri Lanka Law College. So, the present generation of law students are the heirs to this proud history, tradition and values. It is now upto them to further these values and contribute to the nation, especially as lawyers of the 21st century,” Dr Rodrigo added.

Awards were presented by Chief Justice Dr Shirani A Bandaranayake, Attorney General President's Counsel Eva Wanasundera, Court of Appeal President, Justice Sri Skandarajah, Law College Principal Dr W D Rodrigo and Bar Association of Sri Lanka President (BASL) President's Counsel Shibly Aziz.