Anthony Cooray

Professor Anthony Cooray is a full-time Professor of Law at City, University of London, where he has been affiliated since 2013. Previously, he served as Professor of Law and Associate Dean at City University of Hong Kong, and earlier as Dean of Law at the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. He holds visiting appointments in the USA and France.

His education includes:

• PhD from University of London (1979)
• Second PhD from University of Colombo (1989)
• Bar examination (First Class Honours) from Sri Lanka Law College (1974)
• LLB from University of Colombo (1972)

Professor Cooray's research focuses on constitutional frameworks, urban planning legislation, and comparative legal systems, with specialized expertise in Asian legal adaptations. His work examines the intersection of Western legal traditions with indigenous and religious legal systems, particularly in post-colonial contexts.

His publications demonstrate consistent focus on hybrid legal systems, judicial reforms in Commonwealth nations, and the evolution of constitutional governance in Hong Kong and Sri Lanka. Recent works analyze Islamic courts, trust law adaptations, and ombudsman systems within Asian jurisdictions.

Awards and Honors:

• Commonwealth Scholar (1975-1979)
• Commonwealth Academic Fellow (1986-1987)
• British Council Academic Visitor (1991)
• Recipient of two UK-HK Joint Research Grants

He has served as Chairman of Hong Kong's Town Planning Appeal Board and Deputy Chairman of the Town Planning Board. As a World Bank consultant, he led judicial reform initiatives in Sri Lanka and conducts ongoing training programs for Hong Kong's Attorney-General's Department.