BIAC, CIArb hold training on int’l arbitration in Colombo

The Bangladesh International Arbitration Centre (BIAC), the country's only licensed ADR institution, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators successfully organised a two-day international training programme titled "Introduction to International Arbitration" in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 19-20 April.

The programme which marked the return of BIAC's in-person foreign training initiatives aimed to enhance participants' knowledge and practical understanding of international arbitration, says a press release.

The event drew participation from legal practitioners, corporate professionals, and ADR enthusiasts seeking to strengthen their expertise in cross-border dispute resolution.

The programme was designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in international arbitration, combining theoretical instruction with practical insights. Participants were introduced to the key principles governing international arbitration, including party autonomy, neutrality, and enforceability of arbitral awards.

The sessions also explored the legal and institutional frameworks that underpin arbitration across jurisdictions, as well as the growing significance of arbitration in facilitating international trade and investment.

The training was conducted by distinguished experts in the field. Amrit Rajapakse, a leading dispute resolution counsel, arbitrator, and Fellow of CIArb, delivered in-depth sessions on the procedural and practical aspects of arbitration, drawing on his extensive experience in both domestic and international cases.

J. Shanaka L. Cooray, Attorney-at-Law and Director of the CIArb Sri Lanka Branch, provided valuable insights into commercial arbitration practice, including drafting arbitration agreements, tribunal procedures, and dispute management strategies.

Participants engaged in interactive discussions and practical exercises, enabling them to better understand the application of arbitration in real-world scenarios. The programme also provided a platform for meaningful professional exchange and networking among participants and experts from diverse backgrounds.

Upon successful completion of the course, participants became eligible to apply for Associate Membership of CIArb and to progress to Module 1 of the International Arbitration Pathway.

Certificates were jointly issued by CIArb Sri Lanka and BIAC, recognising participants' successful completion of the training.

The programme was conducted with the support and guidance of Shehara Varia, Branch Chair of CIArb Sri Lanka, whose leadership and cooperation were instrumental in ensuring its success.

With the successful completion of this international training programme, BIAC has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing professional capacity in arbitration and strengthening its global engagement through strategic collaboration.

The initiative reflects BIAC's ongoing efforts to promote efficient, modern, and internationally aligned dispute resolution practices in Bangladesh and beyond.