Raising the Bar: Young Lawyers Push for Change

• The conference will bring together private practitioners, state counsel, judges, academics and corporate lawyers, offering a platform for juniors across all sectors of the profession
• Organizers stressed that legal aid should be seen not as a charitable act, but as a professional responsibility 

BY Bhagya Silva

The Young Lawyers’ Committee of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka is preparing to host the Junior National Law Conference on November 14, 15 and 16, 2025, an event they say will mark a decisive step toward “system change” within the profession.  
At a media briefing held on August 22, the organizers announced that this year’s conference will carry the theme “Raise the Bar.” They emphasized that the program is designed not only to spark debate on topical issues, but also to address urgent challenges, develop collective solutions and strengthen the role of junior lawyers in raising professional standards.  
“This is about moving away from a culture of rivalry and building one of cooperation,” a member of the organizing committee Sanjaya Marambe said, noting that the sessions will focus on practical skills and knowledge. The conference will bring together private practitioners, state counsel, judges, academics and corporate lawyers, offering a platform for juniors across all sectors of the profession.  
Organizers stressed that legal aid should be seen not as a charitable act, but as a professional responsibility. “Serving the public good goes hand in hand with strengthening our own knowledge and skills,” they pointed out.  
The committee described the event as more than an academic exercise. It is expected to be an opportunity for young lawyers to connect, network and broaden their professional horizons while laying the foundation for long term change within both the legal community and society at large.  
Bar Association President Rajeev Amarasuriya, Junior Lawyers’ Committee Chairman Attorney at Law Thisya Weeragoda, Convenor Attorney at Law Sanjaya Marambe, Conference Chairman Ruwin Weerasinghe, Secretary Andrea Wijewantha and members of the organizing team were present at the briefing.