Next Generation Partners

Real estate and construction in Sri Lanka

D. L. & F. De Saram

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’.

F. J. & G. De Saram

Experienced real estate practitioner Manjula Ellepola, who is well versed in handling complex financing aspects of transactional matters, is at the helm of F. J. & G. De Saram‘s practice. The department has a strong reputation for advising on design, development and strategy planning for large-scale development projects, and handles significant and high-value sales, acquisitions and purchase mandates. Legal director Deepthi Fernando specialises in land sale and purchase matters, and senior associate Ruwani Dantanarayana assists with leasing and lending work in this space.

Practice head(s):

Manjula Ellepola


Other key lawyers:

Deepthi Fernando; Ruwani Dantanarayan


Testimonials

‘A young, dynamic team.’

‘Their approach to complex legal matters makes them stand out from competitors.’

‘Efficient advisory and due diligence capabilities in the market, and a good understanding of nuance and needs from different industry perspectives.’

‘This team provides a very efficient and effective service within often very tight timelines.’

”F. J. & G. De Saram’s strong team is highly recommended.’

‘Cooperative, highly professional and supportive.’

Key clients

MAS Fabric Park (Private) Limited


State Bank of India


Jetwing Hotels


Hemas Capital Hospitals (Private) Limited


Nations Trust Bank PLC


Indian Overseas Bank


Unilever Sri Lanka Limited


Maersk Lanka (Private) Limited


Jay Jay Mills Lanka (Private) Limited


Siam City Cement (Lanka) Limited


Hayleys PLC


Work highlights


  • Advised Jetwing Hotels Limited on the land due diligence aspects of purchasing the shares of Saman Villas.
  • Advised the client in identifying, designing and developing a policy plan and strategy for the Colombo Port City to develop a leading economic zone within the region and globally, enabling the realization of national economic strategies.
  • Assisted Siam City Cement (Lanka) Limited with its properties.

Nithya Partners

Nithya Partners' practice is very experienced in handling real estate, construction and condominium matters. Key areas of instruction for the team include advising on significant commercial, residential and conservation- and scientific-related development projects. Conveyancing and real estate specialist Seanika Pulle heads up the department. Senior associate Oshini Siriwardhana is a key name to note in the group.

Practice head(s):

Seanika Pulle


Other key lawyers:

Oshini Siriwardhana


Testimonials

‘Strong attention to detail, thorough, sound, knowledgeable.’

‘They are accessible, provide innovative solutions, have the ability to think outside the box, good empathy, and good speed of response.’

‘Oshini Siriwardhana deserves special mention.’

‘Oshini Siriwardhana is really cooperative.’

Sudath Perera Associates

Sudath Perera Associates‘ practice, led by Dharshika Herat Gunaratne, has solid expertise in assisting well-known clients, such as the State Bank of India, on a range of real estate transactions. The team’s workload includes advising on significant construction matters, developments, renovations and sale and lease agreements. Senior associates Nihara Perera and Dilrukshi Maddumage are names to note.

Practice head(s):

Dharshika Herat Gunaratne


Other key lawyers:

Nihara Perera; Dilrukshi Maddumage


Testimonials

‘Professionalism, quality and a sense of urgency are the standout attributes of the team.’

‘Dharshika and Nihara are absolutely awesome to work with.’

Key clients

Provident Capital (Private) Limited


Micro Construction (PVT) Ltd


Micro Cars (PVT) Ltd


Micro Holdings


MJF Leisure Private Limited


MJF Group


MJF Holding Limited (Dilmah Tea)


State Bank of India


Samsung India Electronics (PVT) Ltd


Foundation of Goodness


Maga Engineering (Private) Limited


Huejay International Multiflora (PVT) Limited


Huejay Development (Private) Limited


Zam Holdings Limited


Regus Lanka Number 1 Private Limited


Colombo Office Four Private Limited


Office Colombo Holdings Private Limited


Indian Overseas Bank


Fonterra Brands Lanka Private Limited


Toyota Lanka (Private) Limited


Lemuria (Private) Limited


Sanofi Lanka Ltd


Macksons Holdings


Nippon Paint Lanka Private Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted as counsel to Samsung India Electronics (Private) Limited on various real estate and construction projects.
  • Advised the State Bank of India in relation to the execution of staff housing mortgages, staff and corporate vehicle mortgage bonds and high value corporate mortgages over land, machinery, and stock.

Tiruchelvam Associates

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.

Practice head(s):

Asanka Abeysekera


Other key lawyers:

Navoda Wanniarachchi; Ayomi Wickramasuriya


Testimonials

‘Highly reputed firm with good legal knowledge; they are responsive and diverse as a team.’

‘Always conduct themselves with a high standard of professionalism. They are thorough and always prepared. In all instances of working with the firm, it has inspired confidence and trust.’

‘Ayomi Wickramasuriya has a keen sense of urgency. Goes above and beyond.’

‘Asanka Abeysekera is quick to assist and has built a strong relationship with us. Good leadership.’

‘The team maintained a level of professionalism that was simply exemplary throughout the entire process, not only with me, but all parties involved in my property purchase deal.

They not only had all the subject matter expertise on areas within their purview, but even guided me very carefully on aspects I needed to manage on my own.’

‘Tiruchelvam Associates have built their brand for having a team that clients want to and look forward to working with.’

‘The team are able to work together to bring their specialist expertise to give you the best service possible.’

Work highlights


  • Advised on sub-leasing of a property that was leased to the lessor from a government organisation.
  • Advised a client on setting up a trust involving property.
  • Assisted a client with conducting due diligence on a property and its subsequent purchase.