Ceylon Law College (now Sri Lanka Law College) was established by the Council of Legal Education to offer formal legal education for those aspiring to become legal professionals.
The Council of Legal Education was established under Ordinance No. 19 of 1873, and Sri Lanka Law College was founded under its auspices in 1874 to provide formal legal education to aspiring professionals. Subsequently, the Incorporated Council of Legal Education (ICLE) was established under Ordinance No 2 of 1900. In terms of section 2 thereof the ICLE consisted of the Chief Justice, the Puisne Justices of the Supreme Court, the Attorney General, the Solicitor General and five Advocates, two Proctors of the Supreme Court and one Proctor of the District Court of Colombo were named therein.
Ordinance No. 2 of 1900 underwent amendments through Act No. 6 of 1974 and No. 33 of 1993, respectively, to alter the composition of the ICLE. In 1974 the amendment provided for the Council to consist of the Chief Justice, the Attorney General, the Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and four nominees of the Minister of Justice.
The amendment also provided for Rules of the Council to be made with the concurrence of the Minister of Justice. According to the Section 7 (1) of the Ordinance (No. 2 of 1900 as amended by No. 6 of 1974), ICLE can make by-laws, rules and orders as needed for for prescribing the course of studies and examinations to be observed by such law students and the payments to be made; for the appointment of lecturers and examiners, and fixing the salary or fees to be paid to such lecturers and examiners respectively; for fixing the minimum number of marks to be earned by candidates at the several examinations; for the appointment and removal of such secretary, librarian, officers, clerks, and servants as the Council may deem useful or necessary; and generally for carrying out the objects for which the Council is incorporated into full force and effect.
With an amendment brought in 1993 the composition of the ICLE has changed, the council now comprises Chief Justice who serves as chairperson,alongside the Attorney General, Secretary to the Minister of Justice, and Solicitor General who are ex-officio members. Furthermore, there are two Judges of the Supreme Court nominated by the Chief Justice, two members nominated by the Bar Association, and six additional members appointed by the Minister of Justice. These additional members are selected from individuals with significant experience and expertise in the legal profession, including those who have held judicial office, engaged in legal teaching or research, or demonstrated academic excellence or contributions to legal knowledge.
The Council plays a pivotal role in upholding the quality and integrity of legal education provided by Sri Lanka Law College. The Ordinance outlines the composition, administration, powers of the Council and the power to form by-laws regarding the curriculum, academic staff, and examinations pertaining to Sri Lanka Law College.
The Sri Lanka Law College functions under the Incorporated Council of Legal Education (under the Incorporated Council of Legal Education Ordinance No.2 of 1900 as amended) to administer legal education to persons who desire to be enrolled as an Attorney-at-Law in the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka.
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