The Hon. Priyantha Wijerathna, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, I second the Motion. After 76 years of independence, establishing the rule of law requires public legal awareness. Law is deep, broad, and constantly evolving; no one can know it all. But ensuring a basic understanding among citizens is essential for the rule of law. “Ignorance of the law is no excuse” is fundamental—otherwise one could violate the law and claim ignorance.

¶ 02 Embedding legal concepts in young minds via the school curriculum is best. Since 2019, some legal content exists in Civic Education for Grades 10–11, covering rule of law, sources of law, the judicial system, judicial independence, and appointment of judges. The question is whether we should expand and formalize Law as a subject—what scope and limits? Should we include criminal law, environmental law, anti-corruption, etc.? Specialists must frame this appropriately, ensuring no added burden on students. As policy, broadening legal knowledge to uphold the rule of law is essential.