Jaffna International Law Conference (JILC) 2026
The Faculty of Arts is proud to announce the successful conclusion of the Jaffna International Law Conference (JILC) 2026, hosted by our Department of Law in collaboration with Surana and Surana International Attorneys. Held on the 24th and 25th of January 2026, this landmark event gathered esteemed judges, legal scholars, policymakers, and students from across Sri Lanka and abroad under the timely theme: “Law: Gentle Civilizer of Change – Research, Reframe and Rebuild.”
The two-day conference served as a dynamic arena for thought leadership, addressing the evolving intersection of law, governance, and contemporary society.
Day 1: Global Perspectives and Cultural Exchange
The conference commenced with a distinguished opening ceremony featuring legal and diplomatic luminaries. Key highlights included:
Chief Guest Address: His Lordship Justice Sithambarampillai Thurairaja (Judge of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka) who addressed the integration of Artificial Intelligence and digitization in the legal profession.
Distinguished Guests: Hon. Justice Rohantha Abeysuriya PC (President of the Court of Appeal) attended as the Guest of Honour, alongside Ms. Saranya Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake (Additional Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs) who spoke on Indian Ocean diplomacy.
Keynote Insights: Dr. Mario Gomez (Executive Director, ICES) discussed constitutional change in Sri Lanka, while Barrister Zara Mandviwalla Akbarally delved into commercial law and the digital economy.
The first day successfully spotlighted institutional and student research, concluding with a vibrant cultural program at the Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Center.
Day 2: Systemic Reform and Future Frontiers
The intellectual momentum carried into the second day, focusing heavily on criminal justice, equal rights, and legal development:
Chief Guest Address: His Lordship Justice Yasantha Kodagoda (Judge of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka) delivered a vital address on enhancing the efficacy of Sri Lanka’s criminal justice system.
Distinguished Speakers: Guest of Honour Justice Dr. Frank Gunawardena (Judge of the Court of Appeal), Mr. Vivekananthan Puvitharan PC, Prof. Shanthi Segarajasingham, and Ms. Haripriya Jeyasundara PC shared critical insights on prosecutorial power and bridging the gap between law and lived realities.
Featured Panel: A multidisciplinary panel moderated by Mr. Danuka Bandara explored “The Future of Law: Governance, Technology, Society, and the Global Economy,” unpacking the intersections of technology, climate change, and commercial frameworks.
A Resounding Success for the Faculty
The JILC 2026 concluded with a powerful reaffirmation of legal education’s role in shaping equitable and sustainable societies.
The Faculty of Arts and the Department of Law extend their deepest gratitude to Co-convener Surana and Surana International Attorneys, retired Justice Priyantha Jayawardena, and all the guests, speakers, volunteers, and participants whose contributions made this international conference an extraordinary success. We look forward to building on these insights to foster transformative, progressive academic dialogues in the future.
