CIArb's New Branch in Sri Lanka

CIArb is delighted to announce the launch of its new Branch in Sri Lanka. The inauguration ceremony took place at Galle Face Hotel in Colombo on 31 July 2019. 

The event was attended by Minister of Justice and Prison Reforms Thalatha Atukorala, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives James Dauris, Director General of CIArb Anthony Abrahams and Patron of the Sri Lanka Branch Yuvanjan Wijayatilake PC.

Addressing the gathering Patron of CIArb, Sri Lanka Branch and Former Attorney General, Yuvanjan Wijayatilakesaid stated that the inauguration of the Sri Lanka Branch marks an important milestone in Sri Lanka’s journey to become an international commercial arbitration centre. He emphasised that international arbitration attracts attention because of its historic, contemporary and future practical importance, particularly in business affairs. 

Former AG Yuvanjan Wijayatilake, PC addressing the gathering

He also pointed out that arbitrators lacked formal training and were unaware of modern methods of conducting arbitration proceedings in a cost and time-efficient manner. In this respect, he appreciated the initiative taken by CIArb to set up a branch in Sri Lanka which would benefit arbitrators to be trained and receive a well-recognised accreditation.

The first training event organised by CIArb Sri Lanka Branch – an Introduction to International Arbitration one-day training course – will be held on the 15 of August 2019. This event is supported by the European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (ECCSL).

Fomer AG Yuvanjan Wijayatilake, PC, High Commissioner to Sri Lanka His Excellency James Dauris and Director General of CIArb Anthony Abrahams

Anthony Abrahams (CIArb Director General) commented: 

"CIArb is proud to spread the knowledge and understanding of arbitration to new jurisdictions and open its new Branch in Sri Lanka. Through our network of branches, CIArb seeks to promote greater use of alternative dispute resolution to assist society, the mercantile community and individuals to avoid, manage and resolve conflicts. We are pleased to launch our 40th Branch in the presence of the Minister of Justice Thalatha Atukorala, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka James Dauris and Patron of the Sri Lanka Branch Yuvanjan Wijayatilake PC.”

Shehara Varia (Director of CIArb Sri Lanka Branch) added:

"Being aware of the quality of training that CIArb can offer I am very pleased that CIArb has now established its own branch in Sri Lanka. There has already been tremendous interest in the introductory course and we expect to have the same interest in the other courses that CIArb can offer. Being accredited and being able to acquire an internationally recognized qualification in Sri Lanka will no doubt help increase the standards in the use of alternative dispute resolution in the country."

Photos from the ceremony were taken by Irfad Samath (courtesy of Hasini Rupasinghe of The Daily Mirror).