Sri Lanka Law College to host country’s first ever International Arbitration Moot Court in April

Established in 1874, Sri Lanka Law College is the only institution which offers a complete course of study leading to examinations for those desiring to be enrolled in the bar of Sri Lanka. Among many of the student-run unions and societies within Law College, the Moot Society is often recognised as a significant value addition to the academic program due to the international and local opportunities created for students to develop their skills in terms of research, writing, oral advocacy and overall understanding and application of law to contemporary scenarios.

The Moot Society since its early days has thrived to better the mooting experience for students of Law College and beyond alike. To continue this effort and highlight Sri Lanka on the international legal academic map, the society is currently building up towards Sri Lanka’s first ever International Commercial Arbitration Moot Court Competition, titled the H.V. Perera QC Memorial Moot Court Competition, or in short, The Victors Moot.

Sri Lanka, as a developing nation, is anticipating large growth in many of its commercial sectors. With the transition to a middle-income economy in 2021 booming ahead, Sri Lanka has the potential to become an arbitration hub for South Asia. However, the lack of a proper domestic mechanism for the development of arbitrators and counsel familiar with Arbitration procedure is a challenge that is yet to be overcome. The organisers of Victors Moot believe that the opportunity created for law students to experience firsthand the difference between arbitration procedure and litigation and awareness of the many attributes of International Commercial Arbitration will act as a catalyst in strengthening the arbitration mechanism of Sri Lanka. Almost three months into setting up Victors Moot, the organisers have secured partnerships with leading institutions in the field; the SAARC Arbitration Council, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), the Sri Lanka International Chamber of Commerce, the institute for the development of Commercial Law and Practice (ICLP), the Network for International Law Students, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The chairperson, Victor’s Damithu Surasena is happy to have confirmed that the current registration of teams stands at nine International and nine local teams looking forward to participate in the Moot Court. The Moot Court is scheduled to be hosted in the first week April 2018 and is advised by a distinguished group of professionals in the field of arbitration and law. The group, including Prof. Romesh Weeramantry (Clifford Chance LLP), Prof. Srilal Perera (ICC Arbitrator, MIGA-world bank, ICSID), Presidents Counsel K. Kanag-Iswaran, President’s Counsel Faisz Mustafa (Emeritus Sri Lanka High Commissioner for the United Kingdom), President’s Counsel Dr. Harsha Cabraal (ICC Paris Arbitrator), Dr. Asanga Gunawansa (Arbitrator for Kuala Lumpur Regional Center for Arbitration), Anthony Shanil Fernando (ICC Arbitrator), and Thusantha Wijemanne (Emeritus Director General of the SAARC Arbitration Council) will also be taking their seats as adjudicators during the moot rounds.

Despite the preliminary challenges faced, the organising team is currently well ahead of schedule and is looking forward to set a new standard in mooting for Sri Lanka. Make sure to stay updated on the happenings of the moot via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.