The Supreme Court was empowered by Section 17 of the Charter of 1833 to admit and enrol as Advocates and Proctors persons of good repute and of competent knowledge and ability. Consequently, Sri Lanka Law College (formerly Ceylon Law College during the period of British colonial administration) was established in 1874 under the Council of Legal Education (itself established in 1873) in order to impart formal legal education to those who wished to be lawyers in Sri Lanka. In order to practise law in Sri Lanka, a lawyer must be admitted and enrolled as an 'Attorney-at-Law of the Supreme Court of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka'. To receive admission to the Bar, a law student must complete law examinations held by SLLC. For internal students, admission has been by way of a very competitive entrance exam due to the high number of applicants. Such students must attend lectures and sit annual exams over a period of 03 years. However, external students (who have obtained a qualifying Bachelor of Laws "LL.B." degree from an outside university accepted by SLLC) need not attend lectures and may complete the requisite exams in a shorter period of time. Upon successful completion of the said exams, students must compulsorily attend a Practical Training course, Mediation Workshop, Legal Aid training, Police Station visit and complete a 06 month long apprenticeship at the chambers of legal counsel or at a law firm in order to take oaths as an Attorney-at-Law. SLLC conducts oratory competitions, mooting workshops, and boasts a strong Law Students' Union. It also conducts postgraduate courses including a Master of Laws ("LL.M.") from the University of Wales and diplomas in Intellectual Property law and International Trade law. The main building of SLLC was constructed in 1911 and remains an impressive piece of architecture to this day. Also on the premises are an Auditorium, Library, Computer Room with IT facilities, Canteen, Book Shop, and many lecture halls.