Law students gear up for ALSA Forum 2018
During its relatively short existence, the Sri Lankan chapter of the Asian Law Students’ Association (ALSA) has been remarkably privileged, having been chosen to host all the major events of the Asian region. This August they will be the organizers of the Annual Forum, the most important event in the ALSA’s annual calendar, taking place from August 5-11 in Colombo.
Shaemal
Madhava
This is the first time a South Asian country will enjoy such an honour, and the Sri Lankan chapter is getting busy with the enormous responsibility an event of such staggering scale entails. Madhava de Alwis, Executive Director, ALSA Forum 2018, and Shemal Fernando, deputy executive director, non-academic, together with the committee, met us amidst the busy build-up for the week-long conference for more than 200 law students from the region. Despite having to juggle their exams at the same time, they appear perky and full of positive energy. When asked about how busy they are, Shemal smiles “the 24 hours do not seem enough for us now,” and there are light nods all around.
Despite having joined the ALSA only in 2013, the Sri Lankan chapter has already hosted a study tour, the annual conference of 2015 and the ALSA International Moot Court Competition of 2016. Madhava explains that the ALSA- SL is the only local student association representing all private and governmental legal education institutions in the country, numbering 13. It is animated by a membership of approximately 1600.
The 2018 Annual Forum in Colombo follows a new structure, with meticulously planned academic and non-academic programmes. Navodanie Rathnatilake who is the forum’s Deputy Executive Director of the Academic arm explains that the Annual General Assembly is the central event, the highest authority that makes decisions on all matters affecting ALSA, represented by delegates of all national chapters.
The AGA will be followed by academic sessions, held as panel discussions together with national and international expert panelists who have exceled and are accomplished in the fields related to the respective thematic areas. The ALSA assures that the panelists are the best in their area, ensuring delegates will have a superlative experience.
Navodanie. Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
The non-academic programmes, Shemal Fernando promises, will be a wonderful opportunity to experience the country while mingling with fellow law students from across the region- all of this against exotic backgrounds. The cultural night at ‘Ape Gama’ in Battaramulla will whisk the students back to a traditional Sri Lankan village, manifesting the unique lifestyle and the snug self-sufficiency of Sinhalese peasant communities.
A day trip to the southern coast allows the delegates to embark to the seas, with whale and dolphin watching and discovering the pleasures of the Hikkaduwa beach stretch. An adventurous getaway at the CHE Adventure Park, Hanwella, will combine many adrenaline-pumping sports including mountain cycle rides, rafting, kayaking, climbing, trekking, or extreme adventure like zip line and high rope activities.
Shemal says that all the fun will also blend in with a worthy cause at the Apeksha Hospital of the National Cancer Hospital. Delegates could actively participate to paint one of the biggest wards of the hospital. They will also have an enjoyable session with the children at the hospital. A ‘legal visit’ to the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka is scheduled to be the final event. The Annual Forum committee is grateful for the help extended by Sagala Ratnayaka, Cabinet Minister of Project Management, Youth Affairs & Southern Development as well as Erandika Weliange, chairman of the national youth services council and the past presidents of ALSA’s Sri Lanka chapter.
Law students wishing to be part of this unique week can contact Shemal Fernando on afcolombo2018@gmail.com