LL. B (Hons) (Lond), LL.M (Cmb ), Attorney-at-Law
Programme: LLB
Year of Registration: 2009
Year of Convocation: 2013
Designation: Litigation & Dispute Resolution Counsel

I joined Royal Institute Campus (RIC) in the year 2009, enrolling for the diploma in law programme. Before that, the thought of studying law hadn’t crossed my mind; I was more drawn to the idea of becoming a pilot. Thankfully, owing to the wiser counsel of my family, I agreed that law would be the more sensible choice. Still, as my decision came late, I found myself having to enrol forthe crash course programme. This was the start of a very memorable journey, that continues to this day.

From my first year, I was fortunate to be surrounded by a diverse group of peers, and lecturers of the highest calibre. I did particularly well in Contract Law and Public Law, scoring above 60 marks for each, which gave me some early confidence that law wasn’t such a bad choice. That said, my 50-something performance for Criminal Law was a clear indication that it was probably not going to be my future area of practice, something that, in hindsight, proved quite accurate.

By my second year, I knew that whatever results I got would count towards my final qualification. This motivated me to put in a bit more work. The result: I obtained a first-class mark in Commercial Law. Since I had already fared well for Contract law in the previous year, I developed a sense that all things commercial/corporate might be my cup of tea. I still recall with admiration how Mr. FMA Ranaweera predicted that my marks for Commercial law would be in this region, based on a mock exam he conducted as part of our preparation. To me, across all fields, he was the best lecturer I had the privilege of studying under. I also recall with gratitude the support extended to me by Mr. Seevali Amitrigala PC, whose contribution to the institution was always significant, and wisdom to his pupils – profound.

I must confess for most of my student years, regardless of the exam I was sitting for, I wasn’t always buried in books; I would try to understand core principles andthen give them my own spin. But in the final year of my LL.B, I decided to leave no stone unturned. By convincing myself to strive as if a first-class was within grasp, I managed to score above 60 in all my subjects – which included Company Law – allowing me to graduate in 2011 with a Second Upper. However, the more important takeaway was realizing the value of setting fanciful goals for myself. This is a lesson that stuck with me and continues to benefit my life immensely to this day.

Following my LL.B, I completed my Attorneys’ Exams and was called to the Sri Lankan Bar in December 2014. I also went on to obtain an LL.M from the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo. I spent the first ten years of my career attached to the chambers of Avindra Rodrigo PC, one of Sri Lanka’s foremost commercial and civil practitioners. Since then, I have established my own practice, with a continued focus on areas that include commercial and company law, arbitration, administrative law, admiralty,customs law, fundamental rights, and family law. I also serve on the panel of Arbitrators of the ICLP. I have also served on various committees of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka that focus on implementing legal reforms. Much of what I learned throughout my studies at RIC has proven invaluable in these pursuits.

Outside of my studies, I also built many lasting friendships at RIC. Many of my colleagues have since gone on to excel in their own fields. While the main extra- curricular activities during my day were either whiling away your time at the carrom board, or strolling down the lane adjacent to the Havelock Road building for some reason or the other, I was also able to take part in a musical production titled “Fame 2010,” directed by my sister, Safra – even getting more of the spotlight than my talent deserved! The annual sports days, too, remain fond memories.

RIC gave me the opportunity to pursue a world-class degree at a fraction of the cost, making quality education accessible. Just as importantly, it provided a network that proved invaluable in my professional life.

I am grateful for the opportunity to share this message, and hope RIC continues to grow and flourish for many decades to come. I wish you every success in your own journey, and hope that the path ahead fulfils you abundantly in every way.