News
Law students raise concerns over resuming exams amidst unresolved issues
The Law Students’ Union has raised concerns against the decision by the administration of Sri Lanka Law College to resume examinations without paying attention to a number of issues detrimental to students.
The LSU in a letter addressed to the Principal of the Law College, Shehan C. Perera, points out that holding examinations while inter provincial travel restrictions were in place would leave out large number of students from other provinces since no public transport was allowed and they would have no way to come to the examination centres in Colombo. In addition the administration has not yet explained what redress would be provided to the students who are unable to attend examinations due to contracting Covid-19 or those referred for self-quarantine at their homes. In case an area was isolated or locked down the student candidates would have no means to attend the examination.
Full text of the letter signed by LSU President Samadhi Gamalath and Secretary Vimukthi Karunaratne: “The Law Students’ Union of Sri Lanka (LSU) would like to reiterate certain concerns that have been already pointed out in our previous correspondences, pertaining to the decision made by the Incorporated Council of Legal Education to resume the Attorneys-at-Law Intermediate and Final examinations which were postponed due to the outbreak of the third wave of Covid-19.
“In the letter dated 10.06.2021, we emphasised the importance of having necessary arrangements for all the segments of students that would emerge at the time of resumption of the examinations. We mentioned these concerns on numerous previous occasions. The following is an excerpt from our letter dated 10.06.2021:
“It is of utmost importance to provide such arrangements, given the prevailing circumstances, for a couple of reasons:
1. Students shouldn’t be discriminated or penalised for no fault of their own, during this pandemic, by not allowing them to sit for examinations because of their health conditions. However, as we have suggested, if it is impossible or impracticable, we state that these students should be allowed to take only the subjects that they miss, in the subsequent examination sitting.
2. Students fear that if this issue is not addressed, it is probable that certain students would come to the examination centre and do the exam regardless of their health conditions, which would ultimately expose the lives of all the other candidates and invigilators to risk and danger.
“We believe that this concern has to be redressed to ensure that the examinations are held in a just and fair manner for all students. Moreover, we believe that every possible risk and threat to the health and safety of students must be eliminated.
“Furthermore, we would like to mention that our letter dated 25.06.2021 had a comprehensive discussion on the atrocities the students may have to endure if examinations are held amidst the prevailing situation of the country. We brought to the attention of your good self in a detailed manner the ways in which the exam candidates will have to suffer as a result of the existing travel restrictions and inter-provincial public transport suspension. Nevertheless, since the erudite members of the Council have decided to proceed with the examinations even after considering our letter, we would like to kindly request you to inform the relevant authorities to consider the Identity Card of Sri Lanka Law College (SLLC) to be regarded as a pass to travel during the period of examinations. It would indeed make the lives of the students convenient in the circumstances where travel and inter-provincial public transport restrictions are in existence.
“Last but not least, as we have informed the administration of SLLC on prior occasions, the students have raised concerns pertaining to the possibility of getting the Covid-19 vaccine to ensure that the potential health risk their lives are exposed to, is reduced.
“We urge your esteemed self to be considerate about these matters since if these go unanswered, it might even lead to jeopardising the entire examination, and then all the efforts of the students and administration would be in vain. LSU represents the entire Law student fraternity and even if only one student is affected or prejudiced, it becomes our concern. We are advocates of a just and fair examination which provides equal opportunity to all the candidates without causing any prejudice. Further, we value the health and safety of our students and invigilators to ensure that the examination runs smoothly.”
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a series of high-level bilateral meetings on Wednesday [January 21] on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, engaging with representatives of the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme, and the global private sector.
The Prime Minister met with Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management. During the meeting, she expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the support extended by the European Union and its member states following Cyclone Ditwa. The Prime Minister also briefed the Commissioner on the key findings of the World Bank’s GRADE report and requested continued EU support for Sri Lanka’s development and recovery efforts.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met with Alexander De Croo, representing the United Nations Development Programme. She expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the United Nations and acknowledged the UN’s support in flood relief and livelihood assistance. The Prime Minister noted that, following the mandate received at the parliamentary election, the government is focused on meeting public expectations through national rebuilding grounded in public trust and good governance. She further reaffirmed the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening social protection systems and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
In addition, the Prime Minister met with Robert M. Uggla, Chairman of A.P. Moller Holding. The discussion focused on engagement with the private sector and potential areas of collaboration.
These meetings reflected Sri Lanka’s continued engagement with international partners and global stakeholders to support recovery, development, and long-term economic stability.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
… alleges Prez trying to control judiciary
Opposition grouping ‘Mahajana Handa’ has accused President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of trying to exercise control over the judiciary by appointing a sitting High Court judge as Additional Secretary to the Justice and National Integration Ministry.
Addressing the media at Dr. N. M. Perera Centre, Punchi Borella, on Tuesday (20) top Opposition spokesman and former External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris warned the High Court judge D.M.D.C. Bandara’s appointment was nothing but a direct executive intervention in the judiciary.
Responding to The Island queries, Prof Peiris asked how the government could compel courts to deal with a sitting judge who functioned as Secretary to the Justice and National Integration Ministry.
Prof. Peiris explained that the latest move by the Executive should be examined taking into consideration the attacks on Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe Jr, PC., the deliberate delaying of the appointment of Auditor General and the controversy over the process of promotions of Judicial Officers, Judges of the High Court and the Court of Appeal in Sri Lanka. Prof. Peiris pointed out that the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) had raised those controversial promotions with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
D.M.D.C. Bandara, Senior Assistant Secretary, Judicial Service Commission, was among altogether 18 High Court judges appointed by President Dissanayake in early Sept this year. The group consisted of 17 Special Class Judicial Officers and a Senior State Counsel serving in the Attorney General’s Department.
Referring to a recent meeting ‘Mahajana Handa’ representatives, including him had with the Mahanayake theras of the Asgiriya and Malwatta Chapters in Kandy, Prof. Peiris said that they had received the blessings of the Mahanayakes to go ahead with what he called a programme of action meant to address major issues.
Prof. Peiris said they would initiate talks with other like-minded political parties and groups in this regard soon. Referring a protest held at the Hulftsdorp on Wednesday (21) demanding the removal of the AG Ranasinghe, Prof. Peiris emphasized that the government’s hand in that demonstration was very clear. President Ranil Wickremesinghe appointed him as the AG in July 2024 with the unanimous backing of the Constitutional Council.
Prof. Peiris said that action was yet to be initiated to appoint new civil society representatives to the Constitutional Council. That issue hadn’t received sufficient public attention, Prof. Peiris said, urging President Dissanayake to come down from his high horse.
Asked whether the President could appoint a sitting judge as an Additional Secretary to a Ministry without consulting the Chief Justice and President of the High Court Judges Association, sources familiar with the issues at hand said that certain appointments could be made on secondment. However, that has to follow the proper procedure, sources said.
The Island sought a response from the Justice and National Integration Ministry to the accusations made by Prof. Peiris on behalf of ‘Mahajana Handa,’ but did not receive one until this edition went to press.
By Shamindra Ferdinando ✍️
The largest narcotics haul in Sri Lanka’s history was seized last year, according to Police Media Spokesperson and Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Wootler.
Addressing a media briefing at the Department of Government Information at Narahenpita on Wednesday (22), ASP Wootler said nationwide operations carried out under Operation Ratama Ekata had helped curb the spread of illicit drugs.
He said police taken into custory 10,871 kilos of heroin, cannabis, ice, hashish and cocaine in 2024, while seizures rose sharply to 23,692 kilograms and 307 grams in 2025.
by Norman Palihawadane ✍️
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