MHRD Inauguration Ceremony – 2026/2027
15 August 2026
• Faculty of Law Auditorium
The Centre for the Study of Human Rights (CSHR) at the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo, held the MHRD Inauguration Ceremony for the academic year 2026/2027 on 15 August 2026 in the Faculty of Law Auditorium.
Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilaka, Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Mr Rohan Edrisinha, a former senior political officer and constitutional advisor at the United Nations, as well as a former law academic at the University of Colombo, delivered the keynote address. Mr Edrisinha shared invaluable insights on the significance of human rights at domestic, regional and international levels and the role of the United Nations in protecting and promoting human rights.
Professor Indika Karunathilaka, Vice Chancellor of the University; Professor Nishantha Sampath Punchihewa, Dean of the Faculty of Law; Dr M.A.M. Hakeem, Director of the CSHR and the Head of the Department of Public and International Law; and Dr Thilini Galappaththige, Acting Deputy Director of the CSHR, addressed the gathering. Senior Professor (Chair) Naazima Kamardeen, Head of the Department of Commercial Law, and Ms Isankhya Udani, academic coordinator of the MHRD/APMA programme, also attended the event.
The inauguration ceremony and orientation programme signified the beginning of a new academic journey for students enrolled in the Master of Human Rights and Democratisation (MHRD) programme. The event brought together faculty members, students, distinguished guests, and other members of the university community to celebrate the commencement of this new academic year. The CSHR and the Faculty of Law extend their warmest wishes to the MHRD 2026/2027 cohort for a successful and enriching academic experience.
In pictures
Highlights from the ceremony.
