Sri Lanka Law College Organized Powerful Forum on Human Rights Policy Development

In an effort to foster academic dialogue and raise awareness about the importance of legal frameworks in the protection of human rights, the Law Students’ Union of Sri Lanka Law College organized a scholarly discussion on August 5, 2025. The event, titled “The Timely Need for a National Policy Framework to Prevent the Recurrence of Enforced Disappearances and Extrajudicial Killings in Sri Lanka”, attracted a large number of participants, including over 100 law students, faculty members, and legal professionals.

While the title of the event reflected sensitive themes from Sri Lanka’s legal and human rights history, the forum maintained an educational and policy-focused tone, providing a space for academic insight and constitutional discourse.

Purpose and Objectives:

The primary aim of the program was to engage young legal minds in understanding the role of national legal frameworks in addressing past human rights concerns and ensuring justice, transparency, and accountability through constitutional means.

The Law Students' Union emphasized that this forum was not meant for political debate, but to educate students on how law, policy, and civil society can work together to uphold democratic values and human dignity.

Esteemed Guest Speakers:

The event featured a panel of highly respected legal and human rights experts, each bringing a unique perspective:

• Mr. Saliya Peiris, former President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, addressed the importance of independent legal institutions and the role of the judiciary in safeguarding citizens' rights.

• Mr. Gehan Gunathilaka, Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, provided insights into how national human rights bodies function, and how law students can contribute to institutional reform.

• Mr. Beto Panandu, Chairman of the Families of the Disappeared, spoke on the importance of documentation, truth-seeking mechanisms, and victim support as part of any policy effort.

• Mr. Binara Anthony, President of the Law Students' Union, highlighted the Union’s commitment to student-led legal education initiatives and the relevance of such discussions in the academic journey of future lawyers.

• Mr. Chavin Fernando, Secretary of the Union, coordinated the event and discussed the responsibilities of the next generation of legal professionals in creating an equitable and lawful society.

Key Themes Discussed:

The speakers and student participants explored a range of important legal and ethical topics, including:

• The need for clear national policies to prevent human rights violations

• The role of legal education in promoting justice and rule of law

• Mechanisms for legal redress, institutional accountability, and the significance of due process

• How students and young legal professionals can engage in policy dialogue and advocacy through academic platforms

Student Engagement:

The program witnessed active participation from the student body, with thought-provoking questions posed to the panel. Students shared their views on constitutional law, transitional justice, and the need for legal mechanisms to prevent abuse of power. The discussion also sparked ideas for future workshops, legal research, and student-driven policy proposals.

A Step Toward Legal Awareness and Civic Responsibility:

This academic forum at Sri Lanka Law College marks a positive step toward developing legally aware, socially responsible professionals. It reflects a growing movement within educational institutions to address complex legal issues through informed, respectful dialogue — grounded in the constitution, human rights law, and democratic principles.

The organizers reiterated that such platforms empower students to think critically, collaborate with legal experts, and contribute meaningfully to Sri Lanka’s evolving legal landscape

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