CfPS Law School – University of London Graduation 2019

Minister of Higher Education Rauf Hakeem was the Chief Guest at the annual graduation ceremony of the CFPS Law School’s University of London Laws Programme held last week.

86 graduates and diplomates were conferred their Bachelor of Laws ( LL. B.) Degree and the Certificate of Higher Education in Common Law by Dr. Mary Stiasny Pro Vi c e - Chancellor ( I n t e r national) and Chief Executive of the University of London Worldwide who chaired the graduation ceremony. The CfPS Law School is a recognised teaching institution of the University of London for its Laws Programme.

Academic Support for the Laws Programme of the University is provided by the Laws Consortium consisting of six of the Colleges of the University of London, ranked among the top Universities in the world. These are the University College of London ( UCL), The London School of Economics ( LSE), Kings College London, Queen Mary, The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) and Birkbeck.

Joining the chief guest and Dr. Stiasny were Mr. Simon Askey, Director, University of London Undergraduate Laws Programmes, Mr. Chris Jenny, Head of Global Institutions Liaison; University of London Worldwide. Mr. Saliya Pieris P.C., Chairman of CfPS Law School, Mr. Upul Daranagama and Mr. Nanda Muruttettuwegama Joint Managing Directors of the CFPS Law School attended the graduation together with the academic faculty.

Mr. Hakeem noting the high standards maintained by the University of London stated that steps are being taken by the government to ensure and regulate the standards of higher educational institutions in the country.

Dr. Stiasny stressed on the high quality of the University of London academic programmes and their global recognition and recalled the

long relationship of the University with the Sri Lankan higher education. She pointed out that the University College of Ceylon, the predecessor of the University of Ceylon initially prepared students for the degrees of the University of London.

In his welcome address Mr. Pieris, recalled the wide contribution law graduates of the University of London have made to the legal community and called on the new graduates who intend to enter the Sri Lankan legal profession to understand the importance of their role in the lives of people.

Twelve graduates who achieved excellence in academic achievement at the University of London LL.B. were presented with medals by the Chief Guest.

A highlight of the ceremony was the standing ovation given to the new graduates and diplomates by the audience which warmed the hearts of those present.

The University of London has consistently maintained the highest standards in its awards, ensured by all examination papers being dispatched to the United Kingdom for correction by the examiners of the University. In this way the high quality of the awards are ensured. Examinations are conducted by the British Council.

Students are enrolled to CfPS in March and September each year. Students who enrol in March will have introductory modules to help them grasp the elements of legal skills such as reading a case and developing their writing skills which are essential in the study of the law.

Law Students are able to participate in debates and moots organised by the CfPS Law School Debating and Mooting Society. Another innovative feature is the Internship Programme which enables students who complete their Second Year and Final Year to gain work experience by interning in the Chambers and Offices of Senior Counsel and Attorneys- at- Law. Students are also taken on Court visits and on visits to Parliament.

CfPS Law School has a vibrant student body enabling the student to fully obtain the student experience. The office bearers of the Student Council are elected each year. An Annual Sports Event, Talent Show, the year- end dance and the Freshers’ Night and quiz competitions are among some of the events organised by the student council.

The students who achieved distinctions for subjects in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd year of study were also awarded certificates at this ceremony. Seven Students received awards for Public Law, Legal System and Methods, European Union Law, International Protection of Human Rights, Administrative Law, Public International Law and Intellectual Property Law.

Nidumi Wijeratne received distinctions for both European Union Law and Administrative Law whilst Oshadi Athuraliya received distinctions for both Intellectual Property Law and Administrative Law.

Miss Thishya Jayasundara who obtained a Second Class Honours ( Upper Division) from the University of London delivered the valedictory address

The new intake commences in March 2019.