Tiruchelvam Associates > Colombo, Sri Lanka > Firm Profile

Tiruchelvam Associates > The Legal 500 Rankings

Sri Lanka > Corporate and M&A Tier 1

The ‘precise and professional’ corporate and M&A team at Tiruchelvam Associates is well known for its strength in handling prominent, high-value commercial agreements, often multi-jurisdictional in nature. The group is also well versed in advising on joint venture agreements, restructurings and investments, large-scale project development matters, and share sales and purchases. At the practice’s helm are corporate and real estate specialist Asanka Abeysekera, Laila Nasry, a key contact for commercial transactions, and Nirosha Peiris.

Sri Lanka > Labour and employment Tier 1

Tiruchelvam Associates‘ practice is jointly led by Ramani Muttettuwegama and senior associate Michael Paiva, who brings his expertise in visas and immigration matters to bear in the context of employment law. The team is well versed in advising on the scope of employment-related issues, such as compliance, drafting of employment agreements and registrations, and remote working. The client base includes hospitality, pharmaceutical, corporate and not-for-profit entities, of which the latter is a particular area of focus for the team. Regulatory specialist associate Ovini Nanayakkara joined the team in March 2023.

Sri Lanka > Private client, wills and probate Tier 1

The 'very helpful and friendly' team at Tiruchelvam Associates has particular strength in acting for high-net-worth private clients domiciled abroad, and is well versed in handling probate matters, as well as the drafting and execution of wills and deeds. Intestate succession matters are another key driver of work for the group. The practice is jointly led by Asanka Abeysekera and Ayendra Wickremesekera; Laila Nasry stands out as 'a knowledgeable partner'.

Sri Lanka > Projects and energy Tier 1

Energy specialist Laila Nasry is at the helm of Tiruchelvam Associates’ projects and energy practice. The team has significant experience in assisting clients with the regulatory and developmental aspects of a broad array of projects, for example wind power, combined cycle power, and solar electricity. It also has strength in advising on related trade deals. The group’s workload often has cross-jurisdictional elements, such as advising on the feasibility of interconnecting grids between countries. Nirosha Peiris, who made partner in 2022, is a noteworthy practitioner.

Sri Lanka > Real estate and construction Tier 2

With particular expertise advising prominent clients in the banking and finance sector on the spectrum of real estate and construction matters, Asanka Abeysekera leads the team at Tiruchelvam Associates. The group's strengths include advising on the sale, rental aspects, and due diligence of significant real estate projects, as well as the gifting of property via a trust. At associate level, the ‘thorough and competent’ Ayomi Wickramasuriya and Navoda Wanniarachchi, who joined from private practice in early 2023, are key names.

Sri Lanka > Tax Tier 2

The practice at Tiruchelvam Associates is particularly experienced in advising on Sri Lankan employment tax regulations, tax clearance issues, and the tax aspects of customs, import and export matters. Ramani Muttettuwegama leads the team, which was strengthened in March 2023 by the arrival of associate Navoda Wanniarachchi from private practice.

Sri Lanka > Banking and finance Tier 3

Ramani Muttettuwegama is at the helm of Tiruchelvam Associates‘ banking and finance practice, which advises a list of reputable domestic clients on securities transactions, project financing matters, and mergers and acquisitions. Its clients span the governmental, tech, retail and manufacturing sectors and it has experience handling matters that are cross-jurisdictional in nature.

Sri Lanka > Dispute resolution Tier 3

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.

Sri Lanka > Intellectual property Tier 3

The IP team at Tiruchelvam Associates is experienced in handling trade mark and patent design filings, and assists with managing IP portfolios. The group is also strong in contentious IP matters, often appearing before the NIPO in enforcement cases. Managing partner Ramani Muttettuwegama, senior associate Michael Paiva and associate Adheeba Ilyas are at the practice’s helm. Associate Thuwaraka Ganeshan left for an in-house role in December 2022.