The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC

¶ 01 [5.39 p.m.]

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, this Special Law Entrance Examination is designed to ensure only suitable, qualified graduates—from local institutions or foreign universities not recognized by the UGC—are admitted to Law College.

¶ 03 Rule 12(c) of Gazette No. 2332/02 of 15.05.2023 states: “In order to be selected for admission to the Sri Lanka Law College, a candidate shall satisfy the cut-off mark and be selected in order of merit, based on the marks obtained at the said Special Entrance Examination and the existing number of vacancies as determined by the Council from time to time.” Thus, the Incorporated Council for Legal Education determines the cut-off and admissions, balancing vacancies with quality.

¶ 04 If candidates believe the Contract paper had issues, they can petition the Council. The Council—headed by the Chief Justice and including the BASL President and the Principal of Law College—can call for a special report from the Department of Examinations and, if warranted, consider adjusting the cut-off to provide relief. Parliament’s role is limited here; the lawful path is to petition the Council, which has the authority.

¶ 05 About ten years ago, when Hon. Rauff Hakeem was Minister of Justice, a similar public perception arose that a Minister influenced Law College admissions; this is incorrect. Admissions are the responsibility of the Incorporated Council for Legal Education, not the Minister or Parliament. Therefore, I advise the affected students to submit a petition to the Council requesting a special report from the Department of Examinations on the Contract paper, and to consider appropriate relief, including a revised cut-off if justified.