• Principal expresses concern on high entrance exam fee

While concerns about the high fees at the Sri Lanka Law College (SLLC) have been raised by various parties, including students, the college administration is considering a mechanism that would allow the public, in particular the legal fraternity, to contribute financial support to assist students.

Speaking to The Daily Morning on yesterday (4), SLLC Principal, President's Counsel Prasantha Lal de Alwis stated that this initiative aims to help students in need to continue their studies without financial hindrances. He also said that the administration is working to implement this within the next two months. de Alwis further explained that the proposed initiative, which appears to be a fund, will create a platform for members of the legal community and others to support students' academic and welfare needs. 

“Sri Lankans are always willing to help others. The problem is that there has been no way to contribute. This initiative will allow those willing to assist students to do so,” he added.

Regarding concerns over the increased entrance exam fee at the SLLC, de Alwis expressed his concern and commitment to address the issue. “The increase in the entrance exam fee needs to be addressed. If the number of students’ decreases because of the higher fees, that is not a good situation. Everyone should have the opportunity to enter the SLLC, and the financial capability should not be the deciding factor,”he said.

According to a Gazette notification issued in 2023, preliminary year students who enter through the general entrance examination are now required to pay an admission fee of Rs. 25,000 and a lecture fee of Rs. 25,000, totaling Rs. 67,500 for the first academic year. Preliminary year students with a foreign Bachelor of Laws degree must pay Rs. 117,500 in total for their first academic year, which includes an admission fee of Rs. 75,000. In addition, intermediate and final year students are required to pay a total of Rs. 40,500 and Rs. 50,500, respectively, for their specific academic years.