Rising Stars

Dispute resolution in Sri Lanka

D. L. & F. De Saram

The practice at D. L. & F. De Saram stands out for its expertise in handling a range of complex dispute resolution work for its international client portfolio, which includes prominent names from the aviation, food and media sectors, such as Nestle and the BBC. The team is experienced in handling disputes concerning alleged defamation, outstanding payments for goods, unfair competition and IP matters. The group frequently appears before the Supreme Court and the High Court of Civil Appeal. Savantha De Saram leads the team alongside the ‘knowledgeable’ Jivan Goonetilleke and Dasuni Wijayasiriwardena. 

Practice head(s):

Savantha De Saram; Jivan Goonetilleke; Dasuni Wijayasriwardena


Other key lawyers:

Yasaswi Silva


Testimonials

‘In dispute resolution, the team were very responsible in ensuring that all the required filings were done at the right time, and in following up with us throughout. They were very diligent and very good with their advice.’

‘Dasuni and her team are very responsive and supportive. Dasuni is very responsible and sound of judgement and advice.’

‘Professionalism, collaboration and timely delivery.’

‘Jivan is easily accessible, provides sound advice, and is knowledgeable.’

‘The team is very co-operative and demonstrates a high technical competence in legal consultation and the provision of advice.’

Key clients

British Broadcasting Corporation


Nestle Lanka PLC


The Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC


Sena Mills Refineries (Pvt) Limited


Paycorp International (Pvt) Ltd


V.V. Karunaratne & Company Limited


Chemosyn Limited


Orient Overseas Container Line China Company Limited (OOCL)


Siam City Cement (Lanka) Limited/Insee Group


Work highlights


  • Assisting an airline with resisting an appeal brought by an aviation company, concerning a decision of the Commercial High Court where the client successfully vacated an enjoining order preventing one of the client’s aircraft from departing Sri Lanka.
  • Representing Sena Mills Refineries (Pvt) Ltd in a dispute regarding the HS Code Classification Ruling on a consignment of 38 shipments of crude palm oil imported by the client.
  • Representing the client in several high-profile actions and claims against several parties who were associated with the client, its shareholders, directors and parent company.

Nithya Partners

Nithya Partners‘ team has a strong reputation for its capabilities across the range of contentious work. The group's caseload includes handling IP disputes and litigation arising from the development of key national projects, such as representing VildulLanka PLC in a case contesting Sri Lanka’s renewable energy policies and energy sector laws. Chanaka de Silva is noted for his ability to assess matters from diverse angles and provide holistic solutions’; he heads up the practice alongside Aruna Samarajewa.

Practice head(s):

Chanaka de Silva; Aruna Samarajewa


Other key lawyers:

Uween Jayasinha


Testimonials

‘The team is responsive, with quick turnaround. They have the ability to give practical and commercially sound solutions.’

‘Chanaka de Silva is able to render advice and give solutions which are practical and commercially sound. His multidisciplinary background enhances his ability to assess matters from diverse angles and give holistic solutions. He is responsive to clients and available and accessible in urgent matters.’

‘The partner and his team study the brief thoroughly. The team has good understanding of the industry.’

‘The team is very professional in its approach.’

‘The litigation team at Nithya is very friendly and approachable.’

‘Chanaka De Silva is an expert in commercial law and practice. He has sharp logical sense.’

Key clients

Hongkong Shanghai Banking Corporation, Sri Lanka


Standard Chartered Bank, Sri Lanka


Future Consumer Limited, India


Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC), Sri Lanka


Nation’s Trust Bank PLC


Asiri Hospitals PLC


DFCC Bank PLC


VidulLanka PLC


MAS Intimates (Pvt.) Limited


Strategic Insurance Brokers (Pvt.) Limited


Work highlights


  • Representing Future Consumer Limited of India in a number of contentious matters brought by a joint venture company seeking the transfer of the client’s entire stake in the joint venture, arising from the Reliance-Amazon dispute in India.
  • Assisted VidulLanka PLC with two fundamental rights applications concerning disputes with the Ceylon Electricity Board and Sri Lanka’s sustainable energy groups, regarding the development of two renewable energy projects.
  • Representing the former Solicitor General of Sri Lanka in a fundamental rights application and civil action, concerning allegations of political victimisation and defamation committed against the client.

Sudath Perera Associates

The ‘highly skilled, experienced and dynamic‘ team at Sudath Perera Associates is noted for handling a broad spectrum of contentious work. IP and financial disputes and litigation arising from the development of large-scale projects are recognised areas of strength for the group. The ‘helpful and talented’ Lakshana Perera co-heads the department with Deshan Hewavithana, who also leads the firm’s criminal defence practice. Firm founding partner Sudath Perera is vastly experienced in disputes work, and counsel Manoj Bandara has expertise in advising on contentious IP matters.

Practice head(s):

Lakshana Perera; Deshan Hewavithana


Other key lawyers:

Manoj Bandara; Nathaya Nanayakkara; Sudath Perera


Testimonials

‘A highly skilled, experienced and dynamic team of individuals who are highly dependable.’

‘Lakshana Perera stands out as a very competent, experienced and skilled lawyer.’

‘Manoj Bandara is able to provide realistic practical solutions that are commercially viable. He is not only able to understand the legal issues but also provide strategies that are compatible with the corporate world.’

‘Nathaya Nanayakkara provides 360 degree solutions that address the needs of the business on an urgent basis. She provides clarity whilst ensuring efficiency and utmost professionalism.’

‘The team is great.’

‘Lakshana Perera is a very helpful and a talented person.’

‘Sudath Perera directs clients down the correct path in major matters.’

Key clients

Asia Broadcasting Corporation (Pvt) Ltd


Maliban Biscuits Manufactories (Pvt) Ltd


Indocean Developers Private Limited (IDPL)


Fonterra Brands Lanka (Private) Limited


Home Lands Holdings (Pvt) Ltd


Ceylon Guardian Investment Trust PLC


People’s Merchant Finance PLC


Orient Finance PLC


Standard Chartered Bank


Alliance Media Company (Pvt) Ltd


Prime Finance PLC


Chint Group CORP


Ceylon Beverage Holdings PLC


TCB Aviation (Pvt) Ltd


Millennium Distributors & Traders (Pvt) Ltd


Harangalla Plantation (Pvt) Ltd


Work highlights


  • Representing the developer of a condominium property in Sri Lanka in a range of contentious matters.
  • Acting for TCB Aviation (Pvt) Ltd in litigation concerning a contested termination notice.

F. J. & G. De Saram

The ‘knowledgeable and professional’ disputes team at F. J. & G. De Saram is well equipped to handle a broad scope of contentious matters. The firm's client base includes oil and gas, construction and insurance companies. Avindra Rodrigo heads up the practice, with support from specialist dispute resolution counsel Raneesha de Alwis.

Practice head(s):

Avindra Rodrigo; Raneesha de Alwis


Testimonials

‘They can be relied upon. They are knowledgeable and professional.’

‘Good availability and strong local legal knowledge.’

‘A high level of responsiveness and strong legal knowledge.’

Key clients

The International Air Transport Association (IATA)


Allianz Life Insurance (Lanka) Limited


Colombo Stock Exchange


China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited (CSCEC)


Lanka IOC PLC (LIOC)


State Bank of India


Insync Bikes Limited, United Kingdom (formerly Avocet Sports Limited)


Haecker Kuchen GmbH & Co KG


Asia Securities (Private) Limited


IBM World Trade Corporation


National Development Bank PLC


Larsen & Toubro


CMA CGM Asia Shipping Pte Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advised Asia Securities (Private) Limited on an IP rights dispute.
  • Assisted China State Construction Engineering Corporation with successfully obtaining an interim relief order.
  • Assisted NDB Bank PLC with successfully obtaining an interim relief order requiring the delivery of trade documents.

Tiruchelvam Associates

The practice at Tiruchelvam Associates predominantly defends clients in a variety of disputes. The team's workload includes cases involving allegations of defamation, contentious leasing matters, and a range of employment-related litigation. The practice has counsel Ayendra Wickremesekera at its helm, who is vastly experienced representing clients in both the High Court of the Provinces and the Appeal Court. Laila Nasry is a prominent name in the department.

Practice head(s):

Ayendra Wickremesekera


Other key lawyers:

Laila Nasry


Testimonials

‘A very professional legal team, well-versed in the practice area and very approachable. The team are very well aware of current situations and all legal aspects to cover therein.’

‘Professional, easy to approach and well-mannered. They are also very prompt in communicating.’

‘Each attorney brings their expertise to the table, and their collective knowledge ensures their capability to handle a wide range of cases.’

‘The firm provides prompt and clear communication which is vital in any team setting, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and can work together efficiently.’

‘Ayendra Wickremesekera is an excellent counsel. He is confident and can present arguments persuasively and handle unexpected situations effectively.’

‘The team at Tiruchelvam Associates were very prompt.’

‘Ayendra Wickremesekara has always been responsive to our questions, offering timely advice and keeping up-to-date with correspondence sent to us.’

Key clients

Galadari Hotel (Lanka) PLC


E.M.K.B Ambanpola


China CAMC Engineering Co Ltd


Work highlights


  • Acted for a landlord in the first case brought under the Recovery of Possession of Premises Given on Lease Act, which was made law in 2023.
  • Represented China CAMC Engineering Co Ltd in an inquiry heard before the Commissioner General of Labour, initiated under the provisions of the Termination of Employment of Workmen (Special Provisions) Act, No.45 1971.
  • Acted for the client in litigation arising from content published in an online magazine.