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SLNAC at SCO Arbitration Forum 2025 by CIETAC: Advancing Sri Lanka’s role in regional arbitration

Published

11 months ago

2025/06/13

Chitra

The Sri Lanka National Arbitration Centre (SLNAC) represented Sri Lanka at the SCO Arbitration Forum 2025 held in Beijing, China, organised by the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC). SLNAC Board Member, Professor Chitra Weddikkara, addressed the forum as Sri Lanka’s official delegate and featured speaker, placing the country’s voice at the forefront of conversations on innovation and cooperation in international dispute resolution.

Her keynote speech, “Artificial Intelligence in Dispute Resolution for the Global Construction Industry,” examined the potential of AI-driven tools to streamline arbitration in construction-related disputes, as the sector is particularly prone to cost overruns, project delays, and contract complexities. While highlighting the efficiency of AI in document analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling, she also stressed the importance of maintaining fairness, human oversight, and algorithmic accountability. The forum convened over 100 delegates representing 32 countries engaged in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), reaffirming the global momentum for more accessible, innovative dispute resolution mechanisms.

SLNAC’s participation reflects its longstanding leadership as one of South Asia’s earliest arbitral institutions, with a legacy that spans nearly four decades. Its inclusion at the forum recognized the Centre’s growing role in fostering regional integration through trusted arbitration frameworks. “This engagement is an opportunity for Sri Lanka to take its seat at the global arbitration table and highlights SLNAC’s credibility,” said Chief Executive Officer of SLNAC Amali Fernando. “We are proud to contribute our expertise to the regional dialogue and remain committed to building partnerships that support our legal and business communities.”

Chairman of SLNAC Hiran de Alwis, also extended his congratulations to the delegation and expressed hopes for closer institutional ties between SLNAC and CIETAC to further strengthen regional legal cooperation.

With a reputation rooted in neutrality, professionalism, and regional trust, SLNAC continues to position Sri Lanka as a vital centre for cross-border commercial dispute resolution, reinforcing the island’s relevance in Asia’s evolving legal and business landscape.

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Opp. alleges CIABOC tool in govt.’s hands

Published

8 hours ago

2026/05/19

Sahan Weerasooriya

An opposition grouping alleged yesterday (18) that the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) had become a political tool in the hands of the JVP/NPP to suppress the Opposition both in and outside Parliament.

Former Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris accused the CIABOC of fabricating cases against political opponents by manipulating those summoned. He tore into the institution, alleging that it drove people to suicide.

Addressing the media at the former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Flower Road office, Prof. Peiris alleged that former SriLankan Airlines CEO, Kapila Chandrasena, had been a victim of that despicable strategy. Director General of CIABOC, ex-High Court Judge Ranga Dissanayake, had warned Chandrasena of dire consequences unless the latter fully cooperated with the Commission, Prof. Peiris said.

Prof. Peiris emphasised the responsibility on the part of all concerned to examine Chandrasena’s affidavit regarding the intervention made by the Director General.

Chandrasena committed suicide while being on bail in connection with an investigation into the alleged USD 2 mn bribe to facilitate an Airbus deal during the second term of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Prof. Peiris alleged that the CIABOC Director General had taken control of the Commission and was pursuing an agenda inimical to the law. (SF)

News

Over 5,000 military personnel promoted to coincide with 17th anniversary of victory over terrorism

Published

8 hours ago

2026/05/19

Sahan Weerasooriya

In line with the 17th National War Heroes’ Commemoration Day, which falls on 19 May, a total of 5,289 Tri Service personnel have been granted promotions to their next respective ranks in recognition of their dedicated service rendered to the nation, the Defence Ministry announced.

The National War Heroes’ Commemoration Day is commemorated annually on 19 May to honour and appreciate the invaluable sacrifices and exemplary service of members of the Tri Forces who contributed immensely towards restoring peace and safeguarding the sovereignty of the motherland.

Accordingly, these promotions have been awarded, based on the recommendations of the respective Service Commanders, and in accordance with the established administrative procedures of the Tri Forces.

News

Inclement weather: Kalutara District worst affected

Published

8 hours ago

2026/05/19

Sahan Weerasooriya

Kalutara is the worst affected district due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions. According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) of approximately 200 houses partially damaged so far, about 90% are in the Kalutara district.

DMC said that 22 houses had been damaged in the Ratnapura District, 14 in the Galle District, 4 in the Moneragala District, 25 in the Batticaloa District, 5 in the Colombo District, 4 in the Jaffna District, 25 in the Gampaha District, 2 in the Hambantota District, 2 in the Anuradhapura District, 5 in the Mannar District, and 2 in the Trincomalee District..

One house was destroyed in the Ratnapura District.

The DMC further stated that 1,582 families had been affected by the inclement weather.

The affected families are in 66 Divisional Secretariat divisions across the country.

Accordingly, a total of 5,267 individuals from 1,582 families have been impacted by adverse weather, according to the statement issued by the Centre.