National Law Conference 2021 to be held as a hybrid model

The National Law Conference (NLC) 2021, organized by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) is set to be held at the Galadari Hotel on February 12 and 13. The conference will be held under the theme 'Futurism.' Due to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, this year's conference has been converted to a "hybrid" virtual and physical conference.

At a media briefing held today, BASL Secretary Rajeev Amarasuriya observed that this year's National Law Conference was being organised at a trying time. However, rather than not have a conference, the organizers decided to go ahead with the conference based on a hybrid model, with a limited number of resource persons and attendees present physically, but many others joining in virtually. 

This is the first time that the National Law Conference is going virtual, Mr Amarasuriya stated. He noted that however, it has been a blessing in that many BASL members who are scattered throughout the country cannot take time off to come to Colombo and stay for two days to physically attend the conference. As such, many of these members will now be able to attend the conference virtually. 

He added that the organizers had been exploring the possibility of introducing a virtual segment to the conference even before the pandemic in order to have more broadbased discussions linked to the conference. 

Hiran M.C. de Alwis, Chairman of NLC explained the topics of the conference. 

Accordingly, on the 12th of February, Session I (9.30 – 11.30 a.m.) will focus on Effective Enforcement of business contracts, Ease of Business, eCommerce, Arbitration Law Enforcement and Company Law. In a parallel session discussions on Work place best practices and Health & Safety, Health, Quarantine Law, Insurance and Labour Law will be conducted.

Session II (1.00 – 3.00 p.m.) will focus on the New SEC Act, Digitalization Initiatives, Offences under the SEC Act, CSE Disputes and R.E.I.T. The parallel session will revolve on Defamation in Digital Space and Cyber Space.

Session III (3.00 – 5.00 p.m.) will be on Banking/ Finance, Digital Banking Issues, Trust Ordinance/ Money Laundering, NBFI Issues/ Moratoriums. The parallel session will be on International Cross Border Data Flows, International Trade/ Private International Law/ eCommerce and Maritime Law.

On the 13th of February, Session I (9.30 – 11.30 a.m.) will be on Child Abuse, Mental Abuse and Harassment. The parallel session will be on Sports Law, Betting Law/ TV Rights and Sponsorships.

Session II (11.30 – 1.30 p.m.) will be conducted on Criminal Law, Cyber Crimes and Money Laundering. The parallel session will be on Fundamental Freedoms and Language and Religious Rights.

Session III (2.00 – 5.00 p.m.) for the day will discuss on Evidence, Electronic Transaction Act, Electronic Transmission of Records, Digital Documentations, Ethics, Future of the Profession/ Ltd. Liability Partnerships, Digitalization of Courts.