Sunday Times 2
New book covers Sri Lanka’s rich maritime history
View(s):Thursday, September 25 marked a momentous evening for Dr. Nirmala Chandrahasan as she launched her book “Maritime Boundaries in the Indian Ocean” Sri Lanka and the Law of the Sea. A distinguished law academic, Dr. Chandrahasan was the head of the Law Faculty (University of 
Colombo) also holding the position of Visiting Lecturer at eminent universities abroad and has made an immense contribution to the field of international law throughout her career. Her new book discussing the country’s rich maritime history in context of the ever evolving
Dr. Nirmala Chandrahasan. Pix by Nilan Maligaspe
international and maritime laws is a valuable addition to this field.
Addressing the launch, Dr. Hiran Jayewardene, Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Marine Affairs Co-operation (IOMAC) and coincidentally her student at the University of Colombo gave a glowing introduction to the author and her work, and said the book discussed controversial topics relevant to Sri Lanka’s legal system and the international laws of today.
The chief guest for the evening was Judge C.G. Weeramantry. Contrasting today with yesteryear when international law wasn’t a much discussed subject, Judge Weeramantry emphasised the growth and diversification of international law as a field of expertise stating “you cannot be an expert of domestic law without knowing international law”. He also commended Dr Chandrahasan on her work, comparing her to other renowned Sri Lankan academics who had made significant contributions to various fields of law such as Hamilton Shirley Amerasinghe and Dr. Nandasiri Jasentuliyana
Dr Rohan Perera, PC, commented that the book is an insight into the changes in the Indian Ocean against the changes brought upon by the UNCLOS III. “It conveys economic, political and legal matters” he added stressing on its importance for students, teachers, practitioners and scholars alike.