CfPS Law School & UoL Graduation Ceremony 2021 / 2022

The graduation ceremony of the CfPS Law School’s University of London Laws Programme was held last week, on the 19th of February 2022 at the BMICH. The CfPS Law School is a recognised teaching institution of the University of London (UOL).

The graduation ceremony for 2021 could not be held due to the Covid-19 pandemic and as such both ceremonies were held together on Saturday.

144 graduands and diplomates were conferred their Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) Degree and the Certificate of Higher Education in Common Law by the Academic Director of CfPS Law School on behalf of Professor Mary Stiasny, Pro Vice Chancellor (International) and Chief Executive of the University of London.

Joining the event as the Chief Guest was Honourable M.U.M. Ali Sabry, the Minister of Justice and the Guest of Honour Dr. Sampath Punchihewa, Dean of the Faculty of Law of the University of Colombo, Mr. Saliya Pieris P.C., Mr. Upul Daranagama and Mr. Nanda Muruttettuwegama Joint Managing Directors of the CfPS Law School, senior management and the academic faculty.

Hon. Ali Sabry stated that the LL. B is only a stepping stone in a student’s career and that very little could be achieved in their chosen career without integrity, hard work and dedication. He also commended the graduates and their families for the dedication and hard work they put in in order to qualify.

Professor Mary Stiasny, Pro Vice Chancellor (International) and Chief Executive and Mr. Simon Askey, Dean of the Undergraduate Laws Programme of the University London joined the graduation ceremony virtually sending their warm wishes virtually to the graduates and the diplomates.

In her message Prof Stiasny stated that while UOL LL.B programme is a challenging task requiring years of dedication and hard work it opens up a world of opportunities for the students in many fields of expertise around the world and moulds the students to take up various challenges in a dynamic world. She added that she hoped the students would keep in touch with the UOL through the Global Alumni Programme.

Mr. Askey in his message stated that the LL.B would be a stepping stone for a career as a legal practitioner for most students. He added that the LL.B has also been useful to those who have opted for diverse careers such as journalism, acting, politics and even modelling. It is his hope that the UOL LL. B graduates will use their knowledge to defend the vulnerable and encourage social progression use their knowledge for the good of all.

Mr. Pieris reminded the young graduates of the need to build trust among their seniors, colleagues, clients when they enter the legal profession.

Eleven graduates who achieved academic excellence during the course of their studies were presented with medals by the Chief Guest.

The students who achieved distinctions for subjects in their 1st, 2nd and 3rd years of study were also awarded certificates at the ceremony. Twenty-seven students received awards for Public Law, Legal System and Method, Contract Law, European Union Law, Property Law, Tort Law, International Protection of Human Rights, Administrative Law, Public International Law, Intellectual Property Law, Company Law and Jurisprudence and Legal Theory.

Mr. Sharlan Benedict delivered the valedictory address for the year 2021 and Ms. Nethmi Rathnayake delivered the valedictory address for the year 2022.