D. L. & F. De Saram > Colombo, Sri Lanka > Firm Profile
D. L. & F. De Saram Offices
47 ALEXANDRA PLAACE
COLOMBO 07
Sri Lanka
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D. L. & F. De Saram > The Legal 500 Rankings
Sri Lanka > Banking and finance Tier 1
The practice at D. L. & F. De Saram has vast experience in handling a broad array of banking and finance work for its impressive client portfolio, which includes well known names such as HSBC Bank, Citigroup UK and China Development Bank. Key areas of instruction for the team includes advising on complex domestic and cross-border transactions, high-value project finance transactions, term loan facilities, and regulatory matters. Savantha De Saram, Prabash De Saram and Aloka Nandasena jointly head the department.Practice head(s):
Savantha De Saram; Prabash De Saram; Aloka Nandasena
Key clients
BPPL Holdings PLC
Adani International Ports Holdings Pte. Ltd
International Finance Corporation
Asian Development Bank
China Development Bank
Mast Industries (Far East) Limited
Citigroup, UK
HSBC Bank PLC
Standard Chartered Bank
Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation
Work highlights
- Advising BPPL Holdings PLC on the financing facility proposed to be obtained from the US International Development Finance Corporation by the client and its indirect subsidiary.
- Advised Adani International Ports Holding Pte. Ltd on the proposed term loan facility to be provided to Colombo West International Terminal Limited.
Sri Lanka > Corporate and M&A Tier 1
The corporate and M&A offering at D. L. & F. De Saram has impressive capabilities in handling complex high-value and high-profile transactions, often spanning multiple jurisdictions. Managing partner Savantha De Saram heads up the team alongside Aloka Nandasena, who is well-regarded for her ‘astute understanding of the law, industry and regulatory trends’. Hansi Abayaratne, Inshira Hanifa and associate Ushara Ratnayake are standout names in the practice, as is consultant counsel Ramesh Perera.Practice head(s):
Savantha De Saram; Aloka Nandasena
Other key lawyers:
Hansi Abayaratne; Inshira Hanifa; Ushura Ratnayake; Ramesh Perera
Testimonials
‘Good quality and delivery.’
‘D.L. & F. De Saram focuses on providing bespoke and innovative solutions to the commercial needs of their clients.’
”The firm has an extremely competent legal team, and has developed a reputation for providing punctual and cutting-edge legal advice.’
‘Aloka Nandasena has an astute understanding of the law, industry and regulatory trends, which makes her advice well-rounded and relevant. She has always been extremely responsive, solution-oriented and has the highest regard for the timelines involved in any transaction she is involved in.’
Key clients
Bharti Airtel Limited
CG Capital Partners Global Pte. Ltd
ODF Pte. Ltd
Permira
Soundmouse Limited
Hg Capital
Kanrich Finance Limited
D P Logistics (Private) Limited
Wilbur Ellis Holdings, Inc.
Sojitz Corporation
GlaxoSmithKline plc
MullenLowe (Private) Limited
Rentokil Initial, UK
Aman Group
Hemas Pharmaceuticals (Private) Limited
Fortis Healthcare International Pte Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Bharti Airtel Limited on the transfer of a 100% stake in its local subsidiary Airtel Lanka (Private) Limited to Dialog Axiata, in consideration of being issued shares of Dialog.
- Advising CG Capital Partners Global Pte. Ltd on the proposed acquisition of Culture Financial Holdings Ltd of Cayman Islands from TPG.
- Advised ODF Pte. Ltd on the setting up of a duty-free mall in the Colombo International Financial Centre within the area of Colombo Port City Special Economic Zone, being one of the first projects of its kind within the CPC SEZ.
Sri Lanka > Dispute resolution Tier 1
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.
Sri Lanka > Labour and employment Tier 1
The practice at D. L. & F. De Saram has a strong reputation for advising on the full remit of complex employment matters for high-profile names such as Mitsubishi Corporation and Tesco Sourcing, in both domestic and international contexts. The team's workload ranges from regulatory and compliance matters and due diligence investigations, handling inquiries before Labour District Offices and the Employees’ Trust Fund Board, and employment-related disputes. Employment and labour specialists Jivan Goonetileke, Manjula Sirimane and Hasanthie Manukulasooriya lead the department. Nadine Puvimanasinghe is a key associate in the group.Practice head(s):
Jivan Goonetilleke; Manjula Sirimane; Hasanthie Manukulasooriya
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A very proactive, prompt and service-oriented approach – they give practical legal advice and are up-to-date on legal changes.’
‘Jivan and Nadine are noteworthy.’
Key clients
Schneider Electric
Ericsson
Associated British Food Group (A B Mauri Lanka (Private) Limited)
Allianz Group
ICICI Bank
HCL Technologies Limited
Siam City Cement (Lanka) Limited
Nestle Lanka PLC
ZTE Corporation
HSBC HDPL
Tesco Sourcing
Courtaulds
London Stock Exchange Group
Ineight
Wiley Global Technology (Private) Limited
Fresenius Medical Care Asia-Pacific Limited
Virtusa (Private) Limited
Mines Advisory Group
International Research & Exchange Board (IREX)
Nokia Solutions and Networks Ltd
Dewhirst Group
Dell
CavinKare
Accenture
Toll Global
Plan International
Pernod Ricard Lanka (Private) Limited
The Coca-Cola Company
Zebra Technologies Asia Pacific Pte Ltd
Ceylon Oxygen Ltd
Servier International Group
Prima Group of Companies
Mitsubishi Corporation
Royal Norwegian Embassy
Acumatica
Emapta
Velocity Global LLC
Sun Finance
Nike
Chakray
Peace Corps
Work highlights
- Advised Mitsubishi Corporation on the laws relating to the terminations and redundancies of employees and formulation of severance packages.
- Advising Tesco Sourcing on the development of a dual engagement structure of existing Tesco staff resources in Sri Lanka where its operations are to be restructured.
- Providing strategic advice to DHL Global Forwarding (Private) Ltd in effecting severance of employees attached to the company.
Sri Lanka > Projects and energy Tier 1
The projects and energy team at D. L. & F. De Saram is well known for its strength in advising on complex regulatory matters, at both domestic and international level, as well as the development, construction, financing and due diligence elements of large-scale projects. The client base includes renewables, oil and gas, tech and telecoms entities. Senior partner of the firm Savantha De Saram and banking and finance specialist Aloka Nandasena lead the practice, in which Hansi Abayaratne is a stand-out name.Practice head(s):
Savantha De Saram; Aloka Nandasena
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team’s knowledge of the power sector in Sri Lanka is exceptional.’
‘Hansi Abayaratne is responsive, practical and a great project development lawyer.’
Key clients
China Harbour Engineering Company Limited
Adani Port and SEZ Limited
Adani Green Energy Limited
Go Bungy Japan
Work highlights
- Advised Adani Green Energy Ltd on its PPP project development in Sri Lanka, including on government procurement rules applicable to solicited and unsolicited projects funded by private sector investors, the establishment and operation of renewable energy projects, and land acquisition.
- Advised clients on the development and operation of East Container Terminal situated within the Colombo South Harbour at the Port of Colombo.
- Advised Go Bungy Japan on setting up a bungy jumping facility at the Colombo Lotus Tower.
Sri Lanka > Real estate and construction Tier 1
The practice at D. L. & F. De Saram has notable strength in handling a broad range of real estate work. The client portfolio takes in domestic and international entities, and spans sectors from renewable energy to education. Key areas of instruction include assisting with significant, large-scale construction and development projects, foreign ownership restrictions, land acquisitions, and sales, purchases and transfers. The team also regularly advises on the due diligence aspects of mandates. Managing partner of the firm Savantha De Saram leads the practice alongside Prabash De Saram and real estate and construction specialist Aruni Marcelline.Practice head(s):
Savantha De Saram; Prabash De Saram; Aruni Marcelline
Testimonials
‘The level of experience, specialization and support they extend to solve problems is exceptional.’
Key clients
Sea Consortium Lanka (Private) Limited
United Tractor & Equipment (Private) Limited
East India Holdings (Private) Limited
GVR Lanka (Private) Limited
Rentokil Initial Ceylon (Private) Limited
Work highlights
- Advising the client on a project for the construction of residential villas, including rental arrangements.
- Advised the client on purchasing property, involving due diligence on the title and drafting all required legal documentation to complete the purchase.
- Assisting the client with the due diligence for the purchase of an apartment at ‘Residences at Cinnamon Life’.
Sri Lanka > Shipping Tier 1
D. L. & F. De Saram‘s shipping team, based in Colombo, is well known for advising on a broad range of maritime matters, including vessel collisions, marine environmental issues, fires disputes and cargo claims. The team is also adept at advising vessel owners on insolvency issues. The practice is co-led by specialists Jivan Goonetileke and Savantha De Saram, with notable support from senior associates Nadine Puvimanasinghe and Sachitra Abeywardane.Practice head(s):
Jivan Goonetilleke; Savantha De Saram
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
The London Club P&I Limited
West of England (Hellas) Limited
UBS Switzerland AG
Mercmarine Group of Companies (Mercmarine Emerald Shipping Company, Sri Lanka and Germany)
Fleet Management India Private Limited
The North of England P & I Association Limited
The Shipowner’s Protection Limited
Steamship Insurance Management Services Limited
Orient Overseas Container Line (China) Co. Limited. (“OOCL”)
CMA CGM
Vitol Asia Pte Ltd
Assuranceforeningen SKULD (Gjensidig)
The Standard Club Europe Ltd
Darby Maritime Limited
GAC Shipping
Sri Lanka > Tax Tier 1
D. L. & F. De Saram's tax department, which is led by firm managing partner Savantha De Saram alongside Inshira Hanifa, has a strong track record in advising prominent clients from a range of sectors on day-to-day tax compliance matters, and the tax aspects of M&A deals and large-scale national and international transactional matters. Other key practitioners to note are Hansi Abayaratne, Prabash De Saram and corporate and tax specialist Aloka Nandasena.Practice head(s):
Savantha De Saram; Inshira Hanifa
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team at D. L. & F. De Saram is well-versed in all aspects related to tax. This enables them to understand each client’s unique position and provide a tailor-made solution to address a specific business problem. This ability to be flexible in applying solutions to specific business needs, is a unique value proposition, when compared to competitors of D. L. & F. De Saram.’
‘The individuals seem passionate about what they do, which enables them to push themselves to find solutions to difficult problems as opposed to simply using cookie cutter solutions.’
‘D. L. & F. De Saram has exceptional lawyers who work well with local and international organisations to cater to their needs. The firm is professional in its approach, giving timely turnarounds and detailed reports.’
‘We have worked with the firm in unique situations and some crisis management matters and the support provided to us was incredible.’
‘I have worked closely with Inshira Hanifa and was impressed with her grasp of the issue and ability to customise solutions for us. Her expertise is reflected in her advice and pragmatic solutions.’
Key clients
Tesco International Sourcing Limited
CBRE South Asia S (Private) Limited
Mitsubishi Corporation
Work highlights
- Acting for Tesco International Sourcing Limited in day to day tax compliance requirements applicable to the local entity and payments made to employees, employment benefits, and service providers and changes to the income tax law in Sri Lanka.
- Advising CBRE South Asia S (Private) Limited on day to day income tax compliance requirements applicable to the local entity and payments made to employees in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka > Intellectual property Tier 2
The IP group at D. L. & F. De Saram advises across the gamut of IP matters, with a particular focus on the registration of trademarks and patents on imports into Sri Lanka, industrial designs and product liability matters. The team has experienced IP specialist Prabash De Saram and Hasanthie Manukulasooriya at the helm. Associate Ziyani Marikar left the firm in May 2023.Practice head(s):
Prabash De Saram; Hasanthie Manukulasooriya
Other key lawyers:
Sanuji Munasinghe
Testimonials
‘The team is prompt, always up-to-date and responsive.’
‘Very courteous and responsive.’
‘They have impressive collaboration in the team.’
‘They provide advice in a timely manner.’
‘Hasanthie is a standout partner.’
‘The team comes with an abundance of knowledge in all areas and is well-informed. Where required, they coordinate with overseas parties very well when needed.’
‘The partners and associates are very resourceful and come with a diverse range of knowledge, which is not limited to their area of expertise.’
‘An excellent team of individuals.’
Key clients
ExpoLanka Holdings PLC
Go Bungy International Pte Ltd
CMC Engineering Export GmbH
Sena Mills Refineries Exports (Pvt) Ltd
The Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC
Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology Lanka (Pvt) Ltd
AVS Cargo International (Pvt) Ltd
Natural Wonders (Pvt) Ltd
Perera and Sons Bakers (Pvt) Ltd
Quickee Delivery Solutions (Pvt) Limited
Riococo Lanka Pvt Ltd
Blue Diamonds Jewellery Worldwide PLC
Kalbe International Pte Ltd
Panasonic Ecology Systems Co., Ltd
Melchers Lanka (Private) Limited
Printcare PLC
JF &I Pckaging (Pvt) Ltd
Work highlights
- Handles the entire trade mark portfolio for Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC, as well as assisting the client with various IP-related matters.
- Assisting Expo Lanka Holdings PLC and its subsidiaries with trade mark searches and registrations.
- Assisting Perera and Sons Bakers (Pvt) Ltd with the registration of its trade marks relating to the food industry in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka > Private client, wills and probate Tier 2
D. L. & F. De Saram > Firm Profile
The firm: D. L. & F. De Saram, established in 1898 by Richard Francis De Saram, is among Sri Lanka’s oldest and most esteemed law firms. With a legacy spanning over a century, we take pride in our rich heritage and our status as one of the country’s largest full-service law firms. Led by a dynamic team of partners, we continue to uphold our tradition of excellence. Our commitment to staying abreast of evolving global legal landscapes ensures we provide top-notch legal advice and services to a diverse clientele, both local and international. Recognized as a leading firm by prestigious rankings such as IFLR 1000, Legal 500, Chambers Global, and Chambers Asia Pacific, we offer a comprehensive range of legal services. From M&A, Capital Markets, Infrastructure, Corporate & Commercial Law to Dispute Resolution, Taxation, and Intellectual Property, we cater to the diverse needs of major foreign and domestic companies operating in Sri Lanka. With expertise in Sri Lankan anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws, we assist clients in compliance and serve as local counsel for investigations under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977. Additionally, we specialize in company incorporations, including BOI-approved setups, and provide comprehensive company secretarial services through our subsidiary, Corporate Advisory Services (Pvt) Ltd., to over 600 domestic companies.
Areas of practice
Banking and finance: cross-border financing for both domestic blue-chip companies and multinational corporations and financial institutions, acting as co-counsel with international law firms. The firm has widespread experience in asset and project finance and handling structured transactions in the fields of energy, infrastructure, transportation, communications, real estate and pharmaceuticals, and advises on exchange control laws and corporate financial transactions within the Sri Lankan legal framework.
Capital markets and securities: the team advises on issue of shares, debentures and warrants and other listed and unlisted instruments, derivative products and securitisations. The team assists Sri Lankan companies seeking to list shares and debt instruments in overseas exchanges, international bond issues and international banks in the preparation of memorandums and prospectuses.
Competition and antitrust: the firm advises clients on all aspects of competition law issues, on Sri Lankan anti-bribery and corruption laws, and has assisted as Sri Lankan counsel in FCPA investigations.
Restructuring and insolvency: the team advises clients on winding up laws, insolvency and deregistration filing requirements, restructuring of debt and formal insolvency proceedings. It also advises lenders and investors on corporate structuring.
Corporate and M&A: the firm has an experienced team of lawyers specialising in M&A, active in the fields of energy, infrastructure, construction and pharmaceuticals. The team handles private equity and public mergers and acquisitions, undertakes due diligence exercises and prepares share purchase and shareholders agreements, and specialises in advising clients on Sri Lankan foreign investment and amalgamation laws.
Labour, employment and immigration: the firm handles the full spectrum of labour regulations in Sri Lanka, advising domestic and multinational corporations on all aspects of labour laws, including the compatibility of international labour regulations with Sri Lankan law.
Infrastructure: the team advises clients on the regulatory framework for infrastructure development with special emphasis on ports and terminals, energy and utilities and highways. It advises lenders and developers on project finance and all types of PPP arrangements. The team advises on and prepares concession agreements, implementation agreements, joint venture agreements, purchase agreements and finance and direct lending agreements.
Intellectual property: the firm handles applications for the registration of trade marks, copyrights, industrial design, patents and related services, including litigation arising from infringements and trade mark enforcement.
Real estate: the team advises on foreign ownership restrictions, land acquisitions and sales, mortgage and lease agreements, together with due diligence examinations on real estate and the preparation, attestation and registration of transfers and other title documents.
Admiralty and shipping: the firm advises on shipping and protection and indemnity interests on cross-border disputes, with special emphasis on cargo claims, vessel mortgage enforcement and crew arrests, salvage and ground handling disputes. The firm facilitates and advises on many aspects of admiralty, shipping and international trade.
Corporate secretarial services: the firm’s secretarial division through its subsidiary, Corporate Advisory Services (Pvt.) Ltd., provides incorporation, secretarial and ancillary services to corporate clients, currently in excess of 500, in accordance with the provisions of the Sri Lanka Companies Act. CAS is a virtual one-stop shop for all services connected with the establishment and operation of a domestic or foreign company in Sri Lanka.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banking and finance | Aloka Nandasena | aloka@desaram.com | +94 (0) 71 814 6727 |
| Banking and finance | Aruni Marcelline | aruni@desaram.com | +94 (0) 77 789 6003 |
| Corporate and M&A | Aloka Nandasena | aloka@desaram.com | +94 (0) 71 814 6727 |
| Corporate and M&A | Hansi Abayaratne | hansi@desaram.com | +94 (0) 77 735 6001 |
| Dispute resolution | Dasuni Wijayasriwardena | dasuni@desaram.com | +94 (0) 72 224 3933 |
| Dispute resolution | Jivan Goonetileke | jivan@desaram.com | +94 (0) 77 357 7123 |
| Intellectual property | Hasanthie Manukulasooriya | hasanthie@desaram.com | +94 (0) 77 933 9361 |
| Projects and energy | Hansi Abayaratne | hansi@desaram.com | +94 (0) 77 735 6001 |
| Real estate and construction | Aruni Marcelline | aruni@desaram.com | +94 (0) 77 789 6003 |
| Real estate and construction | Prabash De Saram | prabash@desaram.com | +94 (0) 77 777 7183 |
| Shipping | Jivan Goonetileke | jivan@desaram.com | +94 (0) 77 357 7123 |
| Private client, wills and probate | Hasanthie Manukulasooriya | hasanthie@desaram.com | +94 (0) 77 933 9361 |
| Private client, wills and probate | Dasuni Wijayasriwardena | dasuni@desaram.com | +94 (0) 72 224 3933 |
| Tax | Inshira Hanifa | inshira@desaram.com | +94 (0) 77 414 2885 |