Celebrating the Inauguration of the Master of Laws by Coursework Programme 2023/2024
The Faculty of Law successfully held the inauguration of the Master of Laws by Coursework Programme 2023/2024 on the 21st of July 2023. The event was graced by the Chief Guest, His Lordship Honourable Justice Janak de Silva, Judge of the Supreme Court of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka; the Guest of Honour, Senior Professor (Chair) H.D. Karunaratne, Vice Chancellor of the University; Professor Nishantha Sampath Punchihewa, the Dean of the Faculty of Law; and distinguished members of the staff as well as students of the program.
The event began with a warm welcome by Professor Punchihewa, who 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 program had attracted and assured that as long as the students made the maximum use of all the available resources and engaged in classroom discussions, the final outcome of the program would be an absolute success. The Vice Chancellor, Professor Karunaratne, spoke about the importance of the fields of economics and entrepreneurship in today’s day and age. He emphasized that the time for blaming politicians should be behind us, and each of us, one and all, should take responsibility for creating a better tomorrow. He also highlighted the significance of networking for students and how the social skills they cultivate and the connections they make will benefit them 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 academia and practice. He encouraged students to immerse themselves 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 showcased a way in which the academic, practitioner, and judge can meet as friends rather than antagonists, with the common aim of developing the law.
The Heads of Departments, Professor Kokila Konasinghe, Mr Menaka Harankaha, and Dr Udapadie Liyanage, passionately introduced their respective departments to the students and welcomed them on board. Regardless of which department the students would pick, there is no doubt that they would be in amazing hands. The vote of thanks was delivered by Ms Pramoda Vithanage, the Coordinator of the Programme for 2023/2024. The evening ended on a high note, with spirits lifted by the sweet promise of a wonderful journey for all the students admitted. The induction program for the Master of Laws by Coursework and Research Programme for 2023/2024, conducted by Mr Isuru Liyanage, brought the event to a close.
