On April 3, 2025, the Sri Lanka National Arbitration Centre (SLNAC) organized an insightful seminar for members of the Law Students Association of Sri Lanka, focusing on the fundamental principles of arbitration. The seminar was graced by the distinguished Mr. Chanaka De Silva, President’s Counsel, a prominent figure in the field of dispute resolution, who shared his knowledge and expertise on this subject.

The event, held at the SLNAC premises, attracted a diverse group of law students eager to deepen their understanding of arbitration, an alternative method of resolving disputes outside of the traditional court system. As the legal world evolves, the importance of arbitration has grown, and this seminar was a unique opportunity for students to gain an understanding of the principals and practicalities of arbitration as a dispute resolution mechanism.

Key Highlights of the Seminar

Mr. De Silva opened the seminar with a comprehensive overview of arbitration, explaining its evolution, significance, and the role it plays in modern dispute resolution. He highlighted the advantages of arbitration, including its efficiency, confidentiality, and flexibility, making it an appealing alternative to litigation for businesses and individuals alike. Throughout the session, Mr. De Silva discussed the theory behind the practice and addressed the essential skills and expertise required to conduct a successful arbitration. The seminar concluded with a Q&A session and the lively exchange of ideas allowed students to gain a deeper, practical understanding of arbitration beyond theoretical concepts.

The seminar was an excellent platform for aspiring legal professionals to bridge the gap between academia and real-world practice. By understanding the fundamentals of arbitration, students are better equipped to navigate the growing demand for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in their future careers.

Ms. Amali Fernando, Chief Executive of the SLNAC in welcoming the students stated that Arbitration stood at the forefront of other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and the seminar would provide insight of how arbitration functions in the real world.

About the Sri Lanka National Arbitration Centre

The Sri Lanka National Arbitration Centre is dedicated to promoting arbitration as an alternative dispute resolution method in Sri Lanka. Through educational initiatives, seminars, and workshops, SLNAC plays a crucial role in shaping the future of dispute resolution in the country. The Centre aims to raise awareness of arbitration’s benefits and to facilitate the conduct of arbitrations in an efficient, impartial and confidential manner.