Since its establishment in 2010, the Faculty of Law at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) has built a strong national reputation for academic excellence, professionalism, and a high standard of legal education. At KDU, students from diverse backgrounds across Sri Lanka come together in a unique environment that blends military and civilian elements, promoting discipline, inclusivity, and camaraderie. The Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree programme offered by the Faculty features a comprehensive curriculum covering nearly all areas of law, including both substantive and procedural aspects. It is designed with the belief that legal theory and practice complement each other. The programme aims to produce graduates who not only have a solid grounding in legal theory but also possess essential skills such as legal writing, reading, and research, which are critical to becoming effective legal professionals. The Faculty places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, fostering a sense of empathy and responsibility among its students. It upholds rigorous academic and ethical standards, encouraging intellectual honesty, openness, and a commitment to public service. Many academic and co-curricular initiatives focus on justice and equity, often addressing issues faced by disadvantaged and marginalized communities. In addition, students have access to a wide range of extracurricular opportunities.
While pro bono service is a key focus, it does not detract from the Faculty’s dedication to a wide spectrum of legal scholarship and learning, which continues to receive both national and international recognition. The academic staff are deeply committed to teaching and research and remain approachable and supportive, even beyond the classroom, contributing to the academic and professional success of students in areas such as advocacy and community engagement. KDU law students are prepared to face the multifaceted challenges of a legal career within a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment. The objective is not only to equip them for various roles in the legal profession but similarly to instil a sense of responsibility toward clients, public institutions, and society as a whole. Graduates are trained to seek solutions that are fair, effective, principled, and practical. A significant milestone was achieved in December 2020 when the Council of Legal Education granted KDU LL.B graduates exemptions from the Preliminary and Intermediate Examinations of the Sri Lanka Law College. This resolution of a long-standing issue now allows graduates to qualify as Attorneys-at-Law within a year of completing their degree.
I extend my best wishes to all students for a challenging yet rewarding academic journey at the Faculty of Law, KDU. When they complete their education and enter the legal profession—whether in courtrooms, boardrooms, or classrooms, they will find a welcoming community of KDU lawyers ready to support them.
Dean – Faculty of Law