Hall Of Fame

Leading Individuals

Next Generation Partners

Rising Stars

Banking and finance in Sri Lanka

D. L. & F. De Saram

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 SaramPrabash 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.

F. J. & G. De Saram

F. J. & G. De Saram is particularly prominent in assisting a solid client portfolio of internationally renowned entities, including names such as Deutsche Bank AG, Mastercard and Union Bank PLC, with the full spectrum of banking and financing matters. The team is well equipped to assist with cases involving structured finance products, including derivatives, asset-backed securitisations and Islamic financing products. Ayomi Aluwihare is at the helm of the practice, leading alongside Himali Mudadeniya, who regularly advises international banks, multilateral credit agencies and other international financial institutions on debt financings in Sri Lanka, and Manjula Ellepola, a key figure for advising on complex security aspects of project financing transactions. Tilani Ford is another name to note.

Practice head(s):

Ayomi Aluwihare; Himali Mudadeniya; Manjula Ellepola


Other key lawyers:

Tilani Ford


Testimonials

‘The professionalism and quality of work are the things the firm is really renowned for.’

‘Their quality output makes them a much sought-after firm.’

‘Very polite and professional staff, easily approachable.’

Key clients

International Finance Corporation


Citibank N.A.


Deutsche Bank AG


J P Morgan Chase Bank


Mastercard


Union Bank PLC


Hatton National Bank PLC


Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC


Nations Trust Bank PLC


DFCC Bank PLC


State Bank of India


NDB Investment Bank


Citizens Development Bank Finance PLC


Capital Alliance Investments Limited


Berendina Group


Vision Fund Lanka


Hela Apparel Holdings


Nithya Partners

The team at Nithya Partners acts for entities such as the State Bank of India and Bank of China Limited in a range of banking and finance matters. The group's workload includes advising on ultra-high-value facility agreements in international contexts, assisting local banks with loan agreements, and handling the regulatory aspects of transactions. Practice head Naomal Goonewardena and senior associate Chalani Dissanayake are the key figures to note. In September 2023 Peshala Attygalle departed for an in-house role.

Practice head(s):

Naomal Goonewardena


Other key lawyers:

Chalani Dissanayake


Testimonials

‘Nithya Partners have a very professional and competent team. They are very strong in banking, finance, corporate, and capital markets-related legal advisory services.’

‘Naomal Goonewardana is a rare professional with expertise in law, tax, and finance. This comes very handy in deal structuring as he brings a wide perspective to the table. He is very innovative and provides unique solutions.’

‘They have always been supportive in all aspects of banking.’

‘With their experience in this field, they provide more insights to the cases ensuring required standards are met in accordance with the laws and regulations in place. All the staff at Nithya Partners that we have associated with have always been collaborative and ensured things are done at our convenience.’

‘Naomal adopted a flexible and a practical approach to all matters which is of utmost importance to us.’

‘The team consists of very experienced qualified individuals we can rely on.’

‘They always provide accurate and timely opinions.’

‘Naomal provides an exceptional service.’

Key clients

Bank of China Limited


Seylan Bank PLC


Sampath Bank PLC


Bank of Ceylon


DFCC Bank PLC


State Bank of India


Citizens Development Business Finance PLC


Commercial Leasing and Finance PLC


NDB Investment Bank Limited


Hatton National Bank PLC


Work highlights


  • Advised the State Bank of India as lender in relation to an amendment extending the Facility Agreement for a sum of $1bn granted to the Government of Sri Lanka in March 2022.
  • Advised a syndicate of local banks in relation to an amendment to the syndicated term loan of a sum of $12m granted to a property development for a project.
  • Advised the trade association representing commercial banks in Sri Lanka on representations to be made to the regulator in connection with a proposed financial consumer protection regulation.

Sudath Perera Associates

Sudath Perera Associates‘ practice is headed up by Gamini Balasooriya and Kaushalya Meedeniya. The team is well-equipped to advise well-known domestic banks on both small and medium retail recoveries. Additionally, the group handles the banking and finance aspects of consumer litigation matters.

Practice head(s):

Gamini Balasooriya; Kaushalya Meedeniya


Testimonials

‘Timely execution and excellent collaboration.’

‘Kaushalya Meedeniya has been a very reliable and dependable source at the firm who has helped us in many litigation matters.’

Key clients

Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited


Standard Chartered Bank


National Development Bank PLC


Nations Trust Bank PLC


Orient Finance PLC


Dialog Finance PLC


People’s Merchant Finance PLC


HNB Finance PLC


Tiruchelvam Associates

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.

Practice head(s):

Ramani Muttettuwegama


Work highlights


  • Advised the client in the implementation of the Employee Share Option Plans by conducting feasibility studies and reviewing subscription documents.
  • Advised a fintech company in the operation of a platform intended to offer payment solutions through a mobile/web interface by collaborating with banking partners who hold the relevant banking license in the jurisdiction.