Law college age limit questioned in House

Sri Lanka Law College has stopped enrolling those with a Bachelor of Law degree from foreign universities or the Open University if they are above the age of 30 and this is a clear violation of the procedures governing the system, Parliament was informed today.

During question time, United National Party (UNP) parliamentarian Ajith P. Perera said it was customary for students with a law degree from foreign universities or the Open University recognized by the Council of Legal Education to seek enrolment in the Law College for the law entrance examination.

However, he said Law College Principal Dr. Jayatissa de Costa had in a newspaper advertisement stated that such degree holders should be below 30 years.

“According to the rules governing this procedure, it has to be done after issuing necessary regulations by the subject minister. It has not been done. It is a clear violation of the procedure. How did it happen?” Mr. Perera asked.

The rule governing the Council of Legal Education says, “The minister may from time to time, give to the Incorporated Council of Legal Education directions in writing on matters of general policy pertaining to the performance of the duties  and the exercise of the powers of the council, and the council shall give effect to such directions.”

Justice Minister Rauff Hakeem agreed to look into this matter and notify the House in due course.

Meanwhile, UNP parliamentarian Rosy Senanayake who raised the main question about Law College admission asked why only 177 students were admitted last year.

“This is a drastic drop. It is unacceptable,” she said.

The minister in his response said the annual admissions had to be doubled the previous year because of protest over the ethnic composition of the students.   

“We lack facilities at Law College to increase the number as a result,” he said. (Kelum Bandara and Yohan Perera)