INTRODUCTION
Mediation is an important method of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) that enhances the right to equal access to justice for all. In the context of Sri Lanka, where the formal justice system is riddled with high costs, delays, and adversarial nature of litigation, the realization of the right to equal access to justice has become a challenge for the public, business entities, and the State. Having recognized the importance of mediation for expeditious delivery of justice, the University of Colombo, Faculty of Law, Centre for the Study of Human Rights developed a Certificate on Mediation in partnership with key subject experts in the field, The Asia Foundation and the Support to Justice Sector (JURE) Project, implemented by the UNDP Sri Lanka, with the financial support of the European Union.
The main objective of the Certificate in Mediation is to improve and expand mediation in Sri Lanka, including commercial mediation, thereby enabling expeditious remedies that are grounded in the overarching goal of promoting access to justice for all.
This program is designed for a wide range of individuals, including:
- Public officers (including Mediation Board members)
- Legal professionals (corporate and private)
- Law students
- Business leaders
- Justices of the Peace
- University students
- Anyone interested in acquiring mediation skills (minimum Grade 9 qualification)
- Scholarship Opportunities: Financial aid available for deserving candidates, including those with disabilities, diverse geographical backgrounds, and various genders.
- Flexible Learning: Offered in Sinhala, Tamil, and English (subject to application volume).
- Accredited Program: Meets Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework (SLQF) Level 1 requirements.
- Experienced Faculty: Taught by renowned academics and practitioners.
- Interactive Learning: Participant-centered approach with workshops and group activities.
A) This Programme is intended to:
- Provide early to mid-career candidates with an opportunity to obtain a basic and grounded knowledge of Mediation by following a well-structured course of studies.
- Discuss contemporary developments in Mediation Practices internationally and in Sri Lanka.
- Develop attitudes and perceptions of such officers/community leaders in their duties to resort to Mediation.
B) The candidates are expected to:
- Explain the significance of using mediation for dispute settlement as an Alternative Dispute Resolution.
- Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of mediation as an Alternate Dispute Resolution method.
- Apply main concepts and procedures to practical situations.
- Evaluate the ethical considerations and professional standards involved in the practice of mediation.
a) Completion of junior secondary level, which is Grade 9 or an equivalent.
or
b) Completion of primary education and certified work experience equivalent to a minimum period of two years in a particular field may also be considered as an equivalent qualification for admission to SLQF level 1 provided that the applicant is at least 16 years of age.
or
c) Any other relevant qualifications and/or experiences accepted by the Academic Committee of the CSHR and approved by the Faculty Board of the Faculty of Law.
And
A good working knowledge of the language in which the course will be followed.
Application Fees: Rs.500
Course Fee: Rs. 20,000
Scholarships (full and partial) are available in the application form
Completed Applications and certificates should be submitted along with the paying voucher of the non-refundable application fee.
Payment of the application fee can be done through the following options.
Option 1:
Paid to any branch of the People’s Bank, in favour of ‘University of Colombo – Main Collection Account’ to the Accounts number stated in the application form.
Please note that you cannot make direct transfers through online banking to the account number given above and can only make the transaction through the web portal mentioned in the option 2.
Option 02
Through the university web portal available at https://pay.cmb.ac.lk/ (Online payment)
Use the following details;
Fee Type : Application Fee-CSHR
Account reference Number: The account number indicated in the application form
Duly Completed Applications along with relevant copies of certificates and documents should be submitted by registered post to:
The Director,
Centre for the Study of Human Rights,
Faculty of Law, University of Colombo,
No.94, Cumaratunga Munidasa Mawatha, Colombo 03.
Application deadline: 14 October 2024