News
“A LIFE IN THE LAW” by NIMAL WIKREMANAYAKE
BOOK LAUNCH
The exclusive Essoign Club of the Victorian Bar in the Owen Dixon Chambers in Melbourne was the venue on Monday (nov. 28) for the launch of the book “A Life in the Law” an autobiographical memoir written by retired Victorian Queens Counsel Nimal Wikramanayake. A gathering of distinguished lawyers including at least a dozen Judges of the Supreme Court, reputed Queens Counsel, and other leading barristers were present at the launch presided over by Barrister Graham Robertson.
Robert Richter the leading criminal lawyer in Victoria and former President of the Victorian Bar Council and of the Victorian Council for Civil Liberties, was the keynote speaker associated with the launch. He launched the book following a 45 minute address to the distinguished gathering , on the author’s journey at the bar, and focusing on the highlights of a remarkable career.
The occasion also served as a felicitation by the leading lawyers of Melbourne for Nimal Wikramanayake who had an extraordinary career at the Victorian Bar. Nimal’s own family background being the son of a leading Queen’s Counsel, from Sri Lanka, his exposure to the law at Trinity College, Cambridge, his strong and resolute personality, and the unwavering support and affection of his dear wife Anna Maria, are factors that seem to have played a role in his success at the Victorian bar, culminating with the granting of silk, an honour often denied to seemingly deserving aspirants sometimes for reasons other than their legal competence.
Robert Richter highlighted aspects of the author’s own experiences at the bar and applauded the manner in which he successfully overcame prejudice and the almost institutionalized blinkered attitude to “outsiders” which seemed to have pervaded the legal systems in Victoria.
Nimal Wikramanayake responded to Robert Richter with some interesting reminiscences of his tenure at the bar and highlighting some notable events during his distinguished career. He ended with the quote “old barristers never die, they only lose their appeal!”
Our mutual friend George Fernando and I being the only non lawyers in that gathering of distinguished lawyers were impressed at the solidarity shown and the warm regard they had for Nimal. It was a memorable occasion indeed, not only because of the choice wines that flowed through the evening! An extraordinary career has come to an end.
I would urge anyone interested in the law to enjoy the repast vicariously, by reading the book. In the words of Justice Michael Kirby who wrote the Foreword to the book “uncomfortable reading as it sometimes is, it is good that Nimal Wikramanayake has written his story. We can learn from it.”
Hugh Karunanayake
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the table below and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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