DL & F De Saram, one of the largest full-service law firms in Sri Lanka, specialises in domestic and cross-border matters across all practice areas, with its strongest practices in banking and finance, corporate and M&A, dispute resolution and intellectual property. The firm is highly capable of undertaking complex transactions and meeting client expectations. Key contacts for corporate and M&A and banking and finance work are Savantha De Saram and Prabash De Saram.
Client feedback
“The DL&F De Saram team gives correct advice, is easily reachable and efficient in their work. They are also commercially savvy and understand the local market well.” – Corporate and M&A
“They provide a professional and timely service.” – Regulatory
Aloka Nandasena
“She provides sound advice and is always contactable and quick to respond on matters.”
Work highlights
Advised GPV International on its intra-group restructuring.
Advised DP Logistics on the acquisition of two local entities.
Assisted Permira on the acquisition of Acuity Knowledge Partners from Equistone Partners.
Key clients
Adani International Ports Holdings, BPPL Holdings, CG Capital Partners, Teleperformance, Trelleborg.
FJ & G De Saram, the oldest law firm in Sri Lanka, has extensive experience in banking and finance, corporate and M&A and dispute resolution. The firm has consistently updated its policies and systems to serve its clients and has seen the greatest success in its corporate law department, which is its largest division. Key partners include Himali Mudadeniya, Manjula Ellepola and Tilani Ford. Partner Pavithra Navarathne departed the firm in 2022.
Client feedback
“Professional and expert.” – Capital markets
“Diligent, attentive and detail-oriented.” – Corporate and M&A
“Has up-to-date legal knowledge and excellent understanding of the legislation.” – Dispute resolution
“Responsive and knowledgeable.” – Intellectual property
Deepthi Fernando
“Attentive and thorough.”
Shehara Varia
“Readily available, always dedicated to the client’s needs and ensures quality work.”
Work highlights
Advised HNB Finance on the acquisition of Prime Finance.
Advised Ernst & Young Sri Lanka/Colombo Port City Economic Commission on the development of a regulatory framework for Colombo Port City Economic Zone.
Represented Lynear Wealth Management on setting up a three-unit trust funds/collective investment scheme.
Key clients
Asian Development Bank, China State Construction Engineering Corporation, Lanka IOC, Walmart Apollo.
John Wilson Partners is an established full-service corporate law firm that offers a broad range of legal services to national and international organisations, businesses and private individuals. In particular, the firm’s local expertise makes it an attractive option for international clients seeking business in Sri Lanka. John Wilson is the key contact.
Work highlights
Advised the largest telecommunications service provider in Sri Lanka with a money recovery matter in court.
Julius & Creasy is one of the top law firms in the jurisdiction. The firm has a diversified clientele and is highly rated by both local and international companies. Areas covered by the firm include banking and finance, corporate and M&A, and dispute resolution. Anandhiy Gunawardhana, Manjula Katugampola and Dilini Jayasuriya are key partners.
Client feedback
“Very thorough and efficient.” – Banking and finance
Amila Fernando
“Excellent communicator and leader of an organised team. Provided a primary point of contact and managed the team seamlessly.”
Work highlights
Advised Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel on a private placement debenture issue.
Advising the US International Development Finance Corporation on a loan disbursement to Ma’s Tropical Food Processing.
Established in 1997, Nithya Partners is one of the leading corporate law firms in Sri Lanka. The firm has participated in some of the largest cross-border investments and mergers and acquisitions of recent times and covers a variety of sectors including energy, technology and telecommunications, and banking and financial services. Chanaka De Silva, Aruna Samarajewa and Nirusha Ranjitkumar Ratnatunga are among the key contacts.
Client feedback
“They are highly approachable, keen on their work and attentive to detail.” – Intellectual property
“Deep knowledge and experience.” – Banking and finance
“NP is responsive, has good turnaround time and are in the corporate field.” – Corporate and M&A
Nirusha Ratnatunga
“She is very knowledgeable and sensitive to deadlines.”
Chanaka de Silva
“An experienced veteran who provides quality advice.”
Work highlights
Represented the Bar Association of Sri Lanka in a fundamental rights application relating to the ability of foreign law firms and persons who are not licensed under the laws of Sri Lanka to practice law in Sri Lanka.
Advised State Bank of India in relation to a $1 billion credit facility to the Government of Sri Lanka.
Represented People’s Leasing and Finance in a tax case at the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka.
Sudath Perera Associates is a law firm with over 20 years of history. It has established itself as a law firm offering legal solutions to both domestic and international clients in the areas of banking and finance, corporate and M&A, dispute resolution and intellectual property. Managing partner Sudath Perera is the main contact.
Work highlights
Advised Lion Brewery on an amalgamation of Pearl Springs with Lion Brewery.
Advised Match Hit on a corporate restructuring exercise.
Advising 3M Lanka on the liquidation of its Sri Lankan operations.
Key clients
Co-operative Insurance Company, Viceroy House.
