NEWS COLUMN

Induction Ceremony 2023

The Induction Ceremony for 2022-23 of the Law Students’ Association of Sri Lanka was held virtually via Zoom on April 29 of April 2023, marking the appointment of President Geilee Skandakumar along with a new National Council and Department Members

The event was graced by the distinguished presence of Chief Guest, President's Counsel Jagath Wickramanayake and Advisory Panel Member Milani Salpitikorala, Attorney at Law and Founder of the Child Protection Force The participation of former members including those from previous National Councils and Departments, along with other well-wishers helped make the occasion a resounding success

“It is truly an honour to be part of the history and contribute to the future of this esteemed organization Together with my National Council and the support of all, we are excited to lead the Association to even greater heights, supporting Law Students throughout the Country,” shared President Skandakumar

The appointed national council is as follows;

President: Geilee Skandakumar

Vice President: Bilaal Marikar

Secretary: Shenoli Gamage

Treasurer: Basura Rajapaksha

Editor-in-chief: Shanuka Kadupitiyage

Academic Activities Secretary: Subodhi

Weerasekara

Career Development Secretary: Kithmi

Rajapaksha

External Affairs Secretary: Dinithi Jayasinghe

Media and Publicity Secretary: Apoorwa Nanayakkara

Mooting, Debating and Negotiation

Secretary: Theshani Weligamage

Pro Bono Secretary: Thisanja Subasinghe

Social Activities Secretary: Asini Gnanathilake

ALSA Board Members appointed are as follows;

President: Geilee Skandakumar

Secretary General: Shenoli Gamage

Treasurer: Basura Rajapaksha

VP Academic Activities: Subodhi Weerasekara

VP TED Activities: Kithmi Rajapaksha

VP Marekting and Publicity: Apoorwa Nanayakkara

Alsasl Internship Program

By Naadhira Ghaffoor

The Law Students' Association of Sri Lanka initiated an internship program with the objective of providing students from all backgrounds with an opportunity to gain experience in the field of legal practice It gives young people the opportunity to obtain work experience while also pursuing higher education, which is becoming increasingly important, and this program provides them the opportunity to accomplish so

This initiative is being carried out with the help and assistance of USAID's efficient and effective justice activities The activity collaborates with actors in the justice sector, including law schools, to promote the effective application and achievement of justice and the rule of law. Law students are the future and essential components of an efficient justice system

The activity gives their assistance to them in order to ensure that the future is on the right track The activity and LSASL believe that the structure and objectives of this internship program will undoubtedly expose law students to the abilities and expertise required for a very effective justice system of the future, as well as building competent justice sector actors for future success

According to the foregoing, the association helps to strengthen legal education in Sri Lanka It seeks to instill in its members a sense of knowledge and public obligation to campaign for social justice It seeks to foster a feeling of fellowship, understanding, and goodwill among its local and associated members This Association was founded with the goal of focusing on the social development of law students

This is to enable them to adapt to our everchanging society We feel that this will improve the quality of future lawyers and the Sri Lankan legal system

The purpose of this internship is to provide students with the opportunity to apply skills learned at universities to a professional internship context, allowing them to gain experience and create networks to which they can refer when needed. This internship will train students from varied backgrounds for well-paying careers in the field in addition to accelerating the industry's growth Students will gain soft skills and work experience while developing a solid portfolio and professional foundation that will assist them in obtaining full-time employment Interns will also be able to think critically and creatively, as well as collaborate with industry professionals, as part of the curriculum.

A special mention should be made of Dinithi Jayasinghe, Rashini Hatharasinghe, Tharushi Nawagamuwa, Sujan De Silva and Lahiru Perera from the External Affairs Department for their efforts towards making this initiative a success

MOOTING TRAINING COURSE: ART OF ADVOCACY

The Mooting, Debating and Negotiation Department of LSASL conducted a Series of Mooting Training Sessions as a key project in order to hone the advocacy skills of law students and to provide a real-life experience through training to the participants

The sessions were held on the 22nd, 23rd, 29th and the 30th of April 2023 through a virtual platform and featured a host of proficient former mooters who possessed a wealth of experience who imparted highly valuable insights to the attendees while recounting their practical experiences This included the eminent Vishmi Yapa Abeywardene (LLB) (AAL) Namya Gunawardena (LLB) (AAL), Lakshitha Edirisinghe (LLB) (AAL) and Saranee Gunathilake (LLB) (AAL) Topics ranged from an ‘Introduction to Mooting,’ and expanded on the craft, tackling practical topics such as mastering the art of written and oral advocacy, as well as a session on how it will benefit a law student’s legal career

Each session garnered substantial participation, and upon completion, participants who demonstrated consistent attendance throughout the duration of the program were presented with a certificate acknowledging their active participation The Mooting, Debating and Negotiation department of LSASL has planned many other upcoming initiatives that law students can participate in to improve their advocacy skills

We invite all law students to join these engaging and informative initiatives.

LSASL Webinar on the Duty of the Legal Fraternity Against Animal Cruelty in Sri Lanka

The Law Students Association of Sri Lanka (LSASL) recently organized a webinar focused on the responsibility of the legal fraternity in combating animal cruelty in the country. The event, held on May 13, 2023, brought together legal professionals, students, and animal welfare enthusiasts to discuss the issue The webinar provided a platform for knowledge exchange, critical discussions, and raising awareness about animal welfare, with Ms Dulki Seethawaka, an expert in animal welfare laws, serving as the keynote speaker

During the session, Ms. Seethawaka discussed various aspects of animal cruelty, including the legal framework, challenges, and the role of the legal fraternity in addressing the issue Participants actively engaged in the session by asking insightful questions, and Ms. Seethawaka provided comprehensive answers, leading to a better understanding of the legal implications and potential strategies to mitigate animal cruelty in Sri Lanka.

While the online format allowed for broader accessibility, participants expressed a desire for future events to be held as physical gatherings. They longed for face-to-face interactions, lively discussions, and the opportunity to engage on a deeper level This highlighted the need for more immersive and interactive platforms

Feedback from participants will be considered in planning future events, as the LSASL aims to foster a vibrant and inclusive environment that encourages meaningful discussions and collaborations. Physical events will be organized to offer a more engaging and interactive experience for attendees

The success of the webinar was attributed to the dedication and support of the LSASL team, who worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth event Their commitment to promoting animal welfare and providing a platform for critical discourse is commendable

In conclusion, the webinar on the duty of the legal fraternity against animal cruelty in Sri Lanka served as an important milestone in raising awareness and fostering dialogue on the issue The LSASL is determined to build upon this foundation and organize more impactful events that address the challenges faced by animals in society. They encourage advocacy for the rights and well-being of animals, working towards a future where compassion and justice prevail.

Virtual Workshop Series

Featuring the eminent Mr Kalinga Indatissa, President’s Counsel, the first of the LSASL’s virtual workshop series conducted in collaboration with USAID took place on 27 May 2023 on Zoom for the benefit of Law Students Throughout the country The programme was conducted as part of the LSASL’s ongoing Internship Programme, the first of one of Sri Lanka’s most in-depth and extensive training opportunities for industrious law students who wish to seek an early advantage by gaining expertise in the legal field of Sri Lanka

To better equip the interns who are participating, as well as other law students, the programme included Mr Indatissa’s wise counsel and advice on the legal field they are to enter, and the many career paths and opportunities that lay ahead of them once completing their education as undergraduate law students

Being the first of many, the LSASL looks forward to introducing many more invaluable training opportunities for the law students of the country, featuring eminent lawyers and legal practitioners moving forward

Members of the Month

The Law Students Association of Sri Lanka (LSASL) has recognized the following members for their dedication and unwavering support towards the assocaiton for the month of April and May as the members of the month.

LSASL Monthly Lecture

The Presidential Department of the Law Students Association of Sri Lanka (LSASL) launched their latest initiative "LSASL Monthly Lecture which would be held every month in order to enhance the legal awareness of law students with regard to current legal issues of the country The first lecture of the series was held on the 26th of May 2023 on the topic "Power of Women's Rights " The lecture was conducted by Ms. Milani Salpitikorala who is a renowned child rights and women's rights activist in the country with many years of experience She is the founder of the Child Protection Force as well as an advisor for our very own association. The session was a combination of laws and real world experiences which kept the audience's glued towards the session This enlightening session did influence the budding lawyers to enhance their advocacy journey in women's rights.