South Asia International Economic Law Network, 4th Biennial Conference 2024
Sri Lanka Hosts Transformative SAIELN Conference: Bridging Local and Global Perspectives
By: The Department of Legal Studies, Open University of Sri Lanka
The Fourth Biennial Conference of the South Asian International Economic Law Network (SAIELN), hosted by the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) from December 16–18, 2024 brought together a diverse cohort of experts and practitioners under the theme “Bridging Local Realities with International Economic Law.” This groundbreaking event highlighted the increasing prominence of Sri Lanka in global discussions on economic and legal policies, making it the first SAIELN conference held outside India.
A Historic Event for Sri Lanka
This event underscored Sri Lanka’s growing significance in the global discourse on international economic law. It showcased the country’s potential as a hub for intellectual and policy-driven dialogue, further cementing OUSL’s reputation as a leader in academic excellence.
Panels at the Forefront of Discourse
- Balancing Intellectual Property and Public Health
Chair: Prof. Michele Goodwin (Georgetown University, USA)
Panelists:
– Prof. Nishantha Sampath Punchihewa (University of Colombo, Sri Lanka)
– Prof. Sanath Sameera Wijesinghe (OUSL, Sri Lanka)
– Justice B.N. Srikrishna (Retired, Supreme Court of India)
– Ms. Nathaya Nanayakkara (Sudath Perera Associates, Sri Lanka)
– Prof. Tomer Broude (Hebrew University, Israel)
- Investor-State Dispute Settlement and Indigenous Rights
Chair: Prof. M. Sornarajah (National University of Singapore)
Panelists:
– Dr. Maciej Zenkiewicz (Nicolaus Copernicus University, Poland)
– Dr. Shamila Dawood (University of Colombo, Sri Lanka)
– Dr. Caroline Henckels (Monash University, Australia)
– Ms. Niroshika Liyana Muhandiram (OUSL, Sri Lanka)
- Climate Financing and Local-Led Action
Chair:Prof. Suresh Nanwani (Durham University, UK)
Panelists:
– Prof. Leila Choukroune (University of Portsmouth, UK)
– Mr. Ravindranath Dabare (eJustice, Sri Lanka)
– Mr. Arjun Goswami (Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, India)
– Mr. Ashutosh Kashyap (Centre for Trade and Investment Law, India)
- South Asian Perspectives on International Economic Law
Chair: Mr. Sanjay (Economic Law Practice, India)
Panelists:
– Ms. Hafsa Ifthikar (Sudath Perera Associates, Sri Lanka)
– Dr. Dilini Pathirana (University of Colombo, Sri Lanka)
– Dr. Nadeesh De Silva (OUSL, Sri Lanka)
– Prof. Manimuthu Gandhi (VIT School of Law, India)
- Engagement of Local Actors in International Standards Setting
Chair: Prof. Murali Kallummal (Centre for WTO Studies, India)
Panelists:
– Prof. Markus Wagner (University of Wollongong, Australia)
– Prof. Anton Piyarathne (OUSL, Sri Lanka)
– Dr. Sai Ramani Garimella (South Asian University, India)
– Dr. Pralok Gupta (Centre for WTO Studies, India)
- New Approaches to Address Local Concerns in International Economic Law
Chair: Prof. Katrin Kuhlmann (Georgetown University, USA)
Panelists:
– Prof. S. Amirthalingam (Tamil Nadu National Law University, India)
– Mr. Pushkar Reddy (Centre for Trade and Investment Law, India)
– Mr. Jamshed Ahmad Siddiqui (Centre for Trade and Investment Law, India)
- Grassroots Impact of Unilateral Sustainability Measures
Chair: Prof. James J. Nedumpara (SAIELN Co-Chair)
Panelists:
– Prof. Gregory Shaffer (Georgetown University, USA)
– Prof. Markus Wagner (University of Wollongong, Australia)
– Ms. Sparsha Janardhan (Centre for Trade and Investment Law, India)
– Ms. Sai Sumana Chamarty (Centre for Trade and Investment Law, India)
- Local Perspectives on International Economic Law
Chair: Prof. Nalin Abesekara (OUSL, Sri Lanka)
Panelists:
– Mr. Oshadee Withanawasam (TIIKM, Sri Lanka)
– Mr. Harinda Mahakumara (Hela Coco Energy, Sri Lanka)
– Mr. Nilantha Kumara (Ruhunu Products Pvt. Ltd, Sri Lanka)
– Ms. Amira Ghafoor (Northwood Consulting, Sri Lanka)
– Ms. Abitharani Jeyachandran (SPM Technologies, Sri Lanka)
Keynote Addresses and Insights
– Prof. Gregory Shaffer (Georgetown University, USA) provided a thought-provoking keynote on global trade and local realities.
-Prof. M. Sornarajah (National University of Singapore) delivered an inspiring address on the history and future of international economic law.
Research and Cultural Exchange
The conference also featured cutting-edge research presentations and a memorable cultural evening showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. These elements fostered deeper connections among participants while emphasizing the importance of local perspectives in global frameworks.
Acknowledgments
The event’s success was made possible by the dedicated efforts of the OUSL team, led by Prof. Sanath Wijesinghe, Ms Niroshika Liyana Muhandirum, Ms Niluka Damayanthi and supported by senior and junior acdemic staff members, and non-academic staff members. Special recognition is also extended to Prof. Leila Choukroune and Prof. James J. Nedumpara, whose leadership was instrumental in bringing this conference to life.
A Call to Action
The SAIELN conference was more than an academic gathering—it was a call to action for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to address South Asia’s pressing economic challenges through innovative legal and policy solutions.
We at OUSL are proud to have played a pivotal role in this historic event and look forward to fostering further collaborations that strengthen South Asia’s voice in international economic law.
For more details and future initiatives, visit our website or contact the Department of Legal Studies at OUSL.
SAIELN Conference Panel Discussions
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