Chamila Karunarathne

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi! I am Chamila, a Master of Laws student specialising in International Banking and Finance Law at the University of Leeds. I am from Sri Lanka and completed my Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Colombo. After taking oaths as an attorney-at-law, I worked in corporate and finance law related sectors and wanted to follow an internationally recognised LLM at a prestigious foreign university which would add value to me in pursuing my future career aspirations.

Why did you choose the University of Leeds?

While looking for a good LLM programme, I was quite thoughtful about the university’s ranking, scholarship opportunities and the programme’s module content. University of Leeds is a leading British university, ranked within the world’s top 75 universities, and is a member of the Russell Group for its excellence in teaching and research. Also, it’s School of Law offers International Excellence Scholarship awards for the LLM programmes, which I am proud to say I won!

What has been your favourite aspect of your programme and why?

I selected the LLM in International Banking and Finance Law course since it aligns with my future goal of joining a leading global bank or a finance company. The modules that I learnt helped me to cover a wide area of corporate law so that I will not necessarily have to restrict myself to more specialised area of banking and finance. Modules are predominantly based on English Law, but where necessary draws from other jurisdictions as well. The course involves lectures and seminars, so students get to interact extensively with each other and the lecturers. The lecturing panel for this programme has been amazing and quite supportive to the students.

In what activities are you involved at the University outside of your studies?

I mostly frequent the Leeds University Union (almost every day) and take part in daily activities it offers. It gives me lot of opportunity to make new friends and take some break from studies.

What have been some of the challenges for you during your time at Leeds?

Interestingly, the climate has been the most challenging for me, being a student from a tropical country. I enjoyed the winter times in Leeds, but rain I find quite frustrating.  Constant rain shattered my plans so many times. As an international student, I live alone away from home and sometimes I find that a little challenging as well. However, with friends around and with the busy academic work you often tend to forget that part.

What advice would you give to international students thinking about studying at the School of Law?

When you think of studying abroad, it is important to select a university that has a good global ranking and standing as the University of Leeds. The School of Law offers a variety of programmes and modules especially for postgraduate students. You must select a programme of study and modules which would best suit your future career goals and the ones you are passionate about. You need to do a little bit of research to decide on these. Perhaps you can talk to your lecturers in your home country or to your colleagues who have already done their studies in similar fields. Also, you can always reach out to the programme leaders of the University.

The School of Law offers so many opportunities for students and it is important to make use of those. For example, they often conduct socializing events, alumni talk events, career support and part-time work opportunities. Not all applicants would be lucky enough to get into the School of Law and therefore, it is a waste not to make the maximum of these while your stay at the University.

What are your post-graduation plans?

I wish to obtain industry experience in the UK, before heading back to my home country- Sri Lanka. While I would prefer a career in banking and finance, I have kept myself open for other suitable opportunities as well.