Ask the Lawyer Event

‘Ask the Lawyer’ Event 26th January 2013, at the Sri Lankan High Commission, London

“Ask the Lawyer” Event at the Sri Lanka High Commission, organised by the Association of Professional Sri Lankans, (“APSL”) in association with the Sri Lankan Solicitors Network in the UK (SLSN)
After a very successful “Ask the Expert” Series  two years ago, APSL re-launched the Series this year with “Ask the Lawyer” on 26th January 2013 at the Sri Lankan High Commission under the patronage of the Sri Lanka High Commissioner, His Excellency Dr.Chris Nonis.
Mr Neville De Silva, the Deputy High Commissioner, members of the APSL and members of the Sri Lankan community attended this event.
Mr Rohan de Alwis, President of APSL in his welcome Address explained the purpose of the
“Ask the Expert” Series, which was to reach out to the Sri Lankan Community through opportunity for discussion, sharing ideas and information.
 He said that the current event “Ask the Lawyer” was being presented in association with the Sri Lankan Solicitors Network (www.slsnuk.com)
and was the first among many “Ask the Expert” Series to follow this year.
Dr Chris Nonis, the High Commissioner, in his Address expressed his admiration for the work
carried out by APSL.
“We Sri Lanka Reconciliation Events” (to help promote harmony and integration within the UK based SL Community),
the Young Researchers Symposium (to provide a forum for young Professionals of Sri Lankan
origin to present their Papers before an audience of experienced professionals),
“Living in the UK” Series, which addresses the issues of young second generation Sri Lankans, as well
as that of the first generation parents), all for the benefit of the Sri Lankan community in the
UK.
He noted that by holding events of this nature and by engaging with people across the
community without narrow boundaries, APSL was a significant contributor towards
achieving a pluralistic community.
Following on, three topics relevant to the community were made by three Solicitors
practising in the United Kingdom.
Firstly, the APSL President, Mr Rohan de Alwis, started the event with his presentation on “ How to start a business in the UK’.
 He explained the various ways of setting up a business; on your own (sole proprietor), with others as owners (Partnership) and with others
as shareholders (Limited Liability Company). He stressed the importance of writing a
business plan and also getting the right funding to start the business, the difference between
entrepreneurs and businessmen and much more.
Secondly, a detailed Presentation was given by Mrs Daksheenie Abeyewardene,  on “Wills and Probates and Inheritance Tax”
 In her presentation, Daksheenie, highlighted the importance of writing a will when you are in a good state of mind.
 She also mentioned what should be included in a will and the consequences of not writing a will, and also of using the services of a Solicitor.
The third and final presentation was made by Miss Ruki Pinidiya, on “Living and working in
the United Kingdom” in relation to the current immigration and nationality laws with an
overview of the rules applicable for students, business people and skilled workers.
Ruki  clarified the five tiers of immigration under the current law and gave a detailed analysis of these categories.
During the Question and Answer session it was noted that the majority of the questions were related to the presentation “Wills and Probate” and how to minimise exposure to Inheritance Tax in the UK.
The event concluded with the vote of thanks by Mr Leslie Dep, the General Secretary of
APSL. Whilst thanking the presenters for their very informative presentations and also
the members and guests , he especially thanked His Excellency Dr Chris
Nonis for allowing APSL to use the High Commission premises for this event and also Mr
H.M.K.Herath, Minister Cultural at the High Commission for making all the
necessary arrangements.
Please note that the above three presentations are available at APSL web site
localhost
The next event on the “Ask the Expert” Series will be “Ask the Doctor” which will be held on16th
March 2013 at the Sri Lanka High Commission
. The details of the event will be issued to
the local media shortly and APSL would welcome all to attend the event.