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THE GUIDING LIGHT: INTRODUCING OUR ESTEEMED PATRON HIS EXCELLENCY JUDGE CHRISTOPHER WEERAMANTRY

Judge Christopher Weeramantry, born in Sri Lanka in 1926, had an illustrious legal career spanning over six decades He excelled academically and obtained a Bachelor of Arts with Honors from the University of Ceylon and an LLB and LLM from King's College London He became a lawyer of the Supreme Court of Ceylon in 1948, the year Sri Lanka gained independence

Initially practicing law in Colombo, Weeramantry was appointed to the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka in 1967 and served until 1972 At the age of 42, he became the youngest judge to be appointed to the Supreme Court However, in 1972, he shifted his career focus and moved to Australia, where he served as an emeritus professor at Monash University until 1991 This marked a significant change in his career, allowing him to delve into academia and explore various legal areas, including international law, human rights law, environmental law, and law, science, and technology

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In 1991, Weeramantry was appointed a Judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and became its Vice President in 1997 He served as an Ad hoc Judge for the ICJ from 2000 to 2002 Throughout his career, he made significant contributions to the development of international law, particularly in the fields of environmental law and the expansion of the rule of international law

Weeramantry's interests extended beyond law He explored philosophical, cultural, and religious issues related to justice and the true meaning of law He believed that international law should draw upon equity, ethics, and a moral sense of humanity to nourish its principles He emphasized the importance of understanding different cultures and advocated for cooperation to achieve a better world order

Judge Weeramantry was not only a renowned legal scholar and jurist but also a dedicated teacher and mentor He taught at various institutions, including the University of Colombo and prestigious foreign universities His lectures were highly regarded and considered classics in their genre

His contributions to international law, particularly in the areas of environmental law and the intersection of law and religion, earned him numerous awards and honors These included the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education, the Right Livelihood Award (Alternative Nobel Prize), and the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation. He was recognized as a personality representing The Hague's excellence in international law during the city's 750th anniversary celebration.

Judge Weeramantry founded two notable institutions, the Weeramantry International Centre for Peace Education and Research, and The Law Students' Association of Sri Lanka (LSASL). The Weeramantry International Centre focuses on promoting knowledge and order with justice, conducting academic events, and advocating for human rights. The LSASL represents law students in Sri Lanka and fosters their social character and adaptability to society.

Overall, Judge Christopher Gregory Weeramantry left a significant impact on the field of international law, particularly in environmental law and the integration of law and religion. His contributions, both as a scholar and a jurist, continue to inspire future generations striving for a better and more peaceful world order.

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