Special Lecture by Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama at RRU Puducherry

RRU Puducherry had the privilege of attending a thought-provoking lecture delivered by Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney-at-Law and Member of Parliament, Republic of Sri Lanka. The session, titled “From Courtroom to Parliament: Regional Security Landscape in South Asia -The Role of Lawmakers and Law Enforcers,” provided deep insights into the complex intersections of law, governance, and security in the region.

Hon. Abeywickrama began by drawing from his unique dual experience as a legal practitioner and legislator, explaining how the skills of the courtroom argumentation, interpretation of law, and pursuit of justice translate into the policymaking and decision-making processes of the parliament. He emphasized that both lawyers and lawmakers share a common responsibility: upholding justice, fairness, and security in society.

The key takeaways from the lecture highlighted the transition from courtroom advocacy to parliamentary lawmaking, underscoring the importance of aligning legal practice with policymaking for greater societal impact. Hon. Abeywickrama emphasized that lawmakers act as security architects by drafting and enacting laws that strengthen national and regional security, while law enforcers serve as frontline guardians, ensuring effective implementation through training, modernization, and commitment. 

The session left a powerful impression on students of criminology, law, and security studies. It demonstrated how academic learning in law and justice can transcend the classroom and influence policymaking at the highest levels. Hon. Abeywickrama encouraged young students to envision themselves as future changemakers, contributing not just through legal practice but also through policy, governance, and international collaboration.

The presence of Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama in the Orientation Programme added immense value by connecting legal scholarship, parliamentary responsibility, and regional security concerns. His lecture reinforced the vision of RRU Puducherry in nurturing leaders who can bridge law, policy, and enforcement to ensure justice and security in an interconnected world.