National Law Conference 2021 on ‘Futurism’ from 12-13 February

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) is all set to hold the ‘National Law Conference 2021’  which will focus on the ways in which the legal profession can be fashioned to meet the requirements of the fast developing and oncoming future while preserving the fundamentals within the profession.

This year’s conference will be held under the theme of ‘Futurism’ and is scheduled to be held on 12 and 13 February at the Galadari Hotel, Colombo. In light of the pandemic, the conference has been converted to a hybrid virtual and physical conference. 

Launching the registrations for the Conference, BASL Secretary Rajeev Amarasuriya stated: “We are in a new normal, and we must congratulate the Chairman, Convenors and Members of the National Law Conference 2021 Committee for taking up the challenge to organise this hybrid conference in spite of and overcoming the many regulations and restrictions presently in place.” 

The theme ‘Futurism’ was inspired by the Italian artists’ movement in the 1920s, which highlighted the dynamism, speed, change and restlessness of the modern life. Emphasising this, BASL National Law Conference 2021Chairman Hiran M.C. de Alwis stated: “Futurism is an attempt to envisage a future with a new dynamic and not a new normal and thereby to fashion and guide new developments and to make them a reality in practical means. 

“Therefore, we envisage diverse viewpoints on how the future can be fashioned and guide the law accordingly. Whilst celebrating our long legal heritage, we must look towards fashioning a positive future.” 

Accordingly, the conference will undoubtedly assist legal professionals to be more prepared towards what the future brings. In light of the above theme the conference hopes to address and discuss a wide variety of new and dynamic topics that will arise within the next decade. The topics for the sessions during the conference can be listed thus. 

On 12 February, Session I (9:30 – 11:30 a.m.) will focus on Effective Enforcement of business contracts, Ease of Business, eCommerce, Arbitration Law Enforcement and Company Law. In a parallel session discussions on Work place best practices and Health and Safety, Health, Quarantine Law, Insurance and Labour Law will be conducted. 

Session II (1 – 3 p.m.) will focus on the New SEC Act, Digitalisation Initiatives, Offences under the SEC Act, CSE Disputes and R.E.I.T. The parallel session will revolve on Defamation in Digital Space and Cyber Space. 

Session III (3 – 5 p.m.) will be on Banking/Finance, Digital Banking Issues, Trust Ordinance/Money Laundering, NBFI Issues/Moratoriums. The parallel session will be on International Cross Border Data Flows, International Trade/Private International Law/eCommerce and Maritime Law.

On 13 February, Session I (9:30 – 11:30 a.m.) will be on Child Abuse, Mental Abuse and Harassment. 

The parallel session will be on Sports Law, Betting Law/TV Rights and Sponsorships. 

Session II (11:30 – 1:30 p.m.) will be conducted on Criminal Law, Cyber Crimes and Money Laundering. The parallel session will be on Fundamental Freedoms and Language and Religious Rights. 

Session III (2 – 5 p.m.) for the day will discuss on Evidence, Electronic Transaction Act, Electronic Transmission of Records, Digital Documentations, Ethics, Future of the Profession/Limited Liability Partnerships, Digitalisation of Courts.

Reputed legal practitioners and distinguished guests are planning to discuss on these topics in a manner that assists the legal profession’s endeavours to promote the economic development and preserve the rule of law and the peace and prosperity of Sri Lanka. 

Highlighting this, BASL President Kalinga Indatissa PC stated: “It is amazing that the team has managed to select highly respected and learned members of the Bar and outside to be resource persons at this event.” 

The logo of the conference is significant in how it represents the country’s maritime economic zone, the necessity of strategic international relations and overall the presence and preservation of rule of law to be the guiding force behind all these aspects for their fruition. 

Virtual participation for the conference is priced at Rs. 2,000 for all sessions while physical participation is priced at Rs. 7,500 per day. Physical participation is accommodated on a first-come-first-serve basis. 

For registrations, contact 

Prakalathan Thuraisingham (BASL) – +94 76 4408 342 

Email – [email protected].