Major shakeup at Law College

The conduct of several officials within the Law College are currently under scrutiny for alleged malpractices committed in the ‘administrative and examinations procedures, following the suspension of former Principal W. D Rodrigo, the Daily Mirror learns.

Subsequent to the suspension of the Principal, irregularities and malpractices pertaining to the examinations of the Law College allegedly committed by the Principal and ‘high ranking officials’ had been revealed, informed sources said.

Accordingly, The Council of Legal Education has appointed Former Supreme Court Judge T.A Rathnayake PC to take over as the Principal from January 1, 2014, sources close to the Council of Legal education said.

Former Legal draftsman Therese Perera PC has been appointed Deputy Principal of the Law College and former High Court Judge SarathEdirisinghe has been appointed as the registrar of examinations.

Mrs Therese Perera PC is set to be the first female to hold a high ranking position within the Law College.

The widespread reforms come in the wake of Chief Justice Mohan Peiris’ PC intervention in his capacity as Chairman of the Council of Legal Education.

Justice Peiris is said to have initiated the probe after numerous complaints were received regarding the functioning of the institution.

Presidents Counsel Nigel Hatch was earlier appointed acting Principal of the Law College.

He is said to have initiated a major overhaul in the administrative and examinations system within the country’s only accredited body to pass out Attorneys- at - law , in his capacity as acting Principal.  

The new appointments come following recent meeting held by the Council of Legal Education.

Former Principal Dr. W.D Rodrigos conduct was under probe “for compromising the integrity of the Examinations and Administrative” systems at the Law College.

Earlier, reports emerged of students complaining of being victimized in a manner affecting the examination results of the students.(Hafeel Farisz)