Sri Lanka Law College which was established in 1874 is one of the oldest professional training bodies in the country. During its proud history of over a century the college has trained nearly all the lawyers in the country who have served the nation fervently not only in the field of law but also various other fields such as politics, social reforms, commerce, trade unions and religion. So, the present generation of law students are the heirs to this proud history, tradition and values. It is now up to them to further these values and contribution to the nation, especially as lawyers of the 21st century.

Sri Lanka Law College is the sole professional institution recognised by the Government and the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka for the training of all lawyers in the country. All law graduates and lawyers in other jurisdictions such as Barristers of the United Kingdom who intend to practise in Sri Lanka have to pass Law College Examinations and follow practical training programmes conducted by Sri Lanka Law College in order to be eligible for enrolment as Attorneys-at-Law.

The Law College is managed by the Council of Legal Education set up under the Council of Legal Education Ordinance No.2 of 1900. It is headed by the Honourable Chief Justice. The other members of the Council are The Hon. Attorney General, The Hon. Solicitor General, Secretary to the Ministry of Justice, two judges of the Supreme Court nominated by the Hon. Chief Justice, Six members appointed by the Hon. Minister of Justice, and two members nominated by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka. The Principal functions as the Head of the College, Registrar to the Council of Legal Education and Warden of the College Hostel. 

While improving the physical facilities in the College the Council of Legal Education is now focusing on improving the academic standards of the College. Accordingly, many innovative changes have been introduced. New subjects such as Intellectual Property Law and Environmental Law were introduced to the Attorneys-at-Law curriculum. With regard to the medium of instruction the Council has adopted a pragmatic policy. As it is necessary to prepare young lawyers for the challenges in the modern world it was decided to teach all subjects in English.