JILC 2026
A Landmark Legal Gathering in the North
The Department of Law, Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna in collaboration with Surana and Surana International Attorneys, proudly hosted the Jaffna International Law Conference 2026, bringing together esteemed legal minds, academics, policymakers, and students from across Sri Lanka and beyond. Under the resonant theme “Law: Gentle Civilizer of change- Research, Reframe and Rebuild” the conference served as a dynamic platform for thought leadership, dialogue, and reflection on the evolving role of law in contemporary society.
Day One – 24th January 2026
The first day commenced with a distinguished opening ceremony featuring:
Chief Guest: His Lordship Justice Sithambarampillai Thurairaja, Judge of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka on “Artificial Intelligence in the legal profession: with special reference to digitization”
Guest of Honour: Hon. Justice Rohantha Abeysuriya PC, The President of the Court of Appeal
Special guest:
Ms. Saranya Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake, Additional Secretary for Ocean Affairs, Environment & Climate Change and Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism on “Ocean Governance and Diplomacy in the Indian Ocean”
Keynote Addresses:
Dr. Mario Gomex, Executive Director, International Centre for Ethnic Studies – “Constitutional Change in Deeply Divided Sri Lanka”
Zara Mandviwalla Akbarallt, Barrister-at-law – “Commercial law and digital economy”
The day fostered meaningful discourse on constitutionalism, legal education, and citizen empowerment. Emerging scholars and students also presented innovative research papers, reflecting fresh legal perspectives on critical national issues.
Day one concluded with the cultural Program at Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Center.
Day Two – 25th January 2026
Day two continued the spirit of intellectual exchange with a new lineup of keynote speakers and in-depth panels:
Chief Guest: His Lordship Justice Yasantha Kodagoda, Judge of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka on “Understanding the Criminal Justice System of Sri Lanka and the means by which its efficacy could be enhanced”
Guest of Honour: Justice Dr. Frank Gunawardena, Judge of the Court of Appeal.
Special address:
Mr. Vivekananthan Puvitharan, PC on “Equal Access to Justice in Sri Lanka: Bridging the gap between Law and the lived reality”
Prof. Shanthi Segarajasingham on “Law as a gentle civilizer of Change-from student to undergraduate-to graduate-to Professional”
Special Guest – Ms. Haripriya Jeyasundara, PC on “When Justice Is Negotiated: The Rule of Law and the Limits of Prosecutorial Power”
Panel discussion and technical session held throughout the day and a student presentation panel, sessions explored critical themes such as:
Featured Panel:
“The Future of Law: Governance, Technology, Society, and the Global Economy”
Moderated by Mr. Danuka Bandara, and panellists consisting with Mr. G. Luwie, Dr. Bhahirathi, Prof. Sarveshwaran, Ms. Aysha, Dr. Arjuna and tackled with the panel tracks such as;
Governance and Rule of Law
Law and Technology
Social and Cultural Dimensions
Environment and climate change
Commercial and Digital Economy
The conference concluded with a reaffirmation of legal education’s pivotal role in shaping equitable and sustainable societies.
A Note of Gratitude
The Organizing Committee extends heartfelt thanks to all Co-convener Surana and Surana International Attorneys and to the retired Justice Priyantha Jayawardena, guests, speakers, participants, and volunteers who made JILC ’26 a resounding success. As we reflect on the insights shared over these two impactful days, we look forward to continuing this important conversation and fostering transformative change through the law.