Legal curriculum reforms embraced to mark Law College 150-year milestone
Established in 1874, The Sri Lanka Law College (SLLC), Asia’s oldest professional institution, and formerly known as “Ceylon Law College”, marks its 150th anniversary in January. A string of religious and other events have been planned for next year.
The college’s Buddhist Brotherhood and college staff will hold a Pirith chanting ceremony on January 1. The following day will be dedicated to religious observances for Christians, Hindus, and Muslims. A kavi maduwa will be held on January 8.
India’s Chief Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud has been invited to deliver the College’s maiden law oration in June, Law College Principal Dr Atula Pathinayake told the Sunday Times.
Among the activities planned are a two-day international research symposium, the launch of the “SLLC Law Journal” (a law review), a commemorative stamp and a coffee table book. An avurudu festival, a ‘Back to Law College’ event and a dinner dance are also to be held.
The 150th anniversary is also being marked with the setting up of an alumni association.
Dr. Pathinayake recalled that significant milestones through the years include the establishment of a law student union.
In 1934, SLLC made a significant stride in the legal profession by enrolling the first female student. In 1949, the law college hostel, “Voet Inn” was founded.
Dr. Pathiratne said: “Hulftsdorp, named after Dutch Captain Gerard Peterson “Hulfts” and “Dorp”, means “village” in Dutch, the establishment of Hulftsdorp essentially entails the creation of a legal village. Making it a university like no other, SLLC is located in the heart of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Courts, District Court, and Magistrate's Court, offering students the opportunity to directly experience the courts.’’
Set up in 1873, the Council of Legal Education was incorporated in 1900. It now comprises 14 members, chaired by the Chief Justice of Sri Lanka.
“In the past two years, we have implemented an effective hands-on training programme to help students acquire knowledge and skills before entering the profession,” he noted.
In the meantime, the Council of Legal Education has identified issues with the existing curriculum.
“We are gradually changing our curriculum, adapting to the latest trends with a curriculum board and board of studies directing the development of a new progressive study programme. The SLLC has developed a new curriculum that aligns with the needs of a progressive study programme which will be implemented from 2025,” Dr. Pathinayake said.
Dr. Pathinayake said the current curriculum requires students to take a year-end exam, and they are considering a semester system. New assessment criteria will be implemented after council approval.
There will be innovative
programmes for students, including opportunities to travel across
Sri Lanka and engage in legal aid programmes centering on domestic violence, child abuse, and child protection involving UNICEF and other agencies.
A moot court will be formed, which will be functional from 2024 as mooting is pivotal for law students.
“We further aim at enhancing English proficiency among our students and with UNDP assistance, we intend to create an English language centre. Besides, medical services are set to open for students before long,” Dr. Pathinayake said.
A scholarship scheme will be initiated for underprivileged students next year, alongside current merit scholarships and prizes, he added.
In the face of space limitations at the SLLC, Principal Pathinayake said student facilities are being improved. President Ranil
Wickremesinghe has announced the allocation of Government land surrounding the SLLC in a couple of phases starting with a 40-perch plot, with the rest to be determined after consultations with the Ministry of Justice.
Thus, the college will receive a plot of land owned by the Urban Development Authority (UDA).
The college currently has a limited number of lecture rooms, which can only accommodate 100 students. A recent increase in fees was noted as the college is an independent entity overseen by the Incorporated Council of Legal Education necessitating the institution to generate its own funds.
The law entrance examination is widely regarded as the most challenging in the country, particularly when students from diverse universities across the country are also in line to join yearly.
Commenting on a section of students and politicians rejecting the move to steer all courses and exams at the SLLC in English, Dr Pathinayake said: “Lectures at SLLC are being conducted in English at this very time. Proficiency in English is essential as the nation strives for progress. If not addressed promptly, certain students may face injustice, as they are exposed to limited opportunities in the profession as they will be sidelined. Therefore, the present system should strive to enhance its English proficiency and reduce disparities.’’
While producing well-rounded lawyers who are ethically
responsible to the courts, society, and themselves the college makes an effort for its moot society to be the greatest in Asia, Sri Lanka, and eventually the world.
Talking about the college's extracurricular activities he said there were 17 societies, including English and Sinhala law student unions, debating teams, moot societies that frequently take part in debating contests and moot court competitions.
With the directives from the Incorporated Council of Legal Education, staffing will be reformed next year to ensure the best possible education, he said.
“We will be undergoing digitisation in terms of the student management system and student learning system. A new webpage is also being developed and starting in 2024, we intend to fully digitise the library to a research centre greater than ever,’’ Dr Pathinayake said.
“The Bar Association of Sri Lanka provides numerous benefits to the college. The Attorney General’s Department assigns its staff for lectures, while the Ministry of Justice’s Secretary significantly aids in development programmes including renovations,” Dr. Pathinayake said.
Proficiency in English is essential as the nation strives for progress. If not addressed promptly, certain students may face injustice, as they are exposed to limited opportunities in the profession as they will be sidelined. Therefore, the present system should strive to enhance its English proficiency and reduce disparities