F. J. & G. De Saram > Colombo, Sri Lanka > Firm Profile
F. J. & G. De Saram Offices
216 DE SARAM PLACE
COLOMBO 10
Sri Lanka
- Go to...
- Rankings
F. J. & G. De Saram > The Legal 500 Rankings
Sri Lanka > Banking and finance Tier 1
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:
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
Sri Lanka > Corporate and M&A Tier 1
F. J. & G. De Saram‘s team is well regarded for its strength in advising on a wide range of corporate and commercial law matters. Ayomi Aluwihare has a strong track record in handling the gamut of corporate and commercial work, and Anjali Fernando is particularly experienced in assisting with joint ventures and projects involving the mining, hospitality and leisure sectors. Buwaneka Basnayake regularly acts for local clients in this arena. M&A and employment expert Shehara Varia, data protection specialist Shanaka Gunasekara and Himali Mudadeniya are also key names to note.Practice head(s):
Ayomi Aluwihare; Shehara Varia; Anjali Fernando; Himali Mudadeniya; Buwaneka Basnayake; Shanaka Gunasekara
Testimonials
‘Thinks outside the box, and always willing to assist to make the deal a success.’
‘Shehara Varia has strong attention to detail and is meticulous in her work.’
‘The team has a very strong understanding of local law and regulatory requirements. Capital markets is a particular strength.’
‘Ayomi Aluwihare and Buwaneka Basnayake have a very strong understanding of local law and regulatory requirements, particularly in the area of capital markets.’
‘Their availability, promptness in response and innovative solutions put F. J. & G. De Saram ahead of other firms. They have a strong team which possesses an in-depth knowledge in capital markets which allows them to provide better solutions and recommendations which enable transition closures.’
‘Shanaka Gunasekara provides an exceptional service in delivering legal assessments. His pragmatic approach in addressing any legal concern has made out lives much easier.’
‘Buwaneka has been our go-to person for all corporate transactions and opinions. His knowledge and application of the law is exceptional, and he is able to provide legally sound, workable, business-friendly solutions whenever we have hit a snag in any transaction. Buwaneka is also completely reliable on agreed deadlines.’
Key clients
Asia Development Bank
Reliance Retail Ventures Limited
Colombo Stock Exchange
Dialog Axiata PLC
Hela Clothing Group of Companies
Eversheds (UK)
Trilegal
DLA Piper (Singapore)
Pearson Lanka (Private) Limited
Jun He
TMI Associates
The Colombo Port City Economic Commission
ING Hubs Sri Lanka
Sunshine Holdings PLC
Melsta Technologies(Pvt)Ltd
Unilever Sri Lanka Limited
Ekaterra Ceylon (Private) Limited
EY GBS (India) LLP
Jetwing Hotels Ltd
Work highlights
- Assisted a client with identifying, designing and developing a policy plan and strategy for the Colombo Port City to develop a leading economic zone both within the region and globally.
- Advised a company on the acquisition of a solar power sector entity.
- Advised the client on the set up of nature trails in Sri Lanka via a legal memorandum.
Sri Lanka > Real estate and construction Tier 1
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.
Sri Lanka > Dispute resolution Tier 2
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.
Sri Lanka > Labour and employment Tier 2
F. J. & G. De Saram‘s labour and employment practice is well known for advising on complex matters. Experienced practitioner Shehara Varia is at the helm of the department, which is equipped to handle both regulatory and litigious work, involving such issues as alleged unfair dismissals and redundancies. Shevanthi Perera specialises in corporate-related employment matters, including assisting businesses with the employment aspects of their establishment, setting up and operations. Counsel Rozali Fernando is noteworthy for her expertise in contentious cases, which often reach the labour tribunal.Practice head(s):
Shehara Varia
Other key lawyers:
Sri Lanka > Projects and energy Tier 2
F. J. & G. De Saram‘s team advises on a broad range of matters in the projects and energy space. The group predominantly advises high-profile clients on the financial aspects of the development of significant projects, with a particular focus on wind, thermal and solar power. Ayomi Aluwihare and Shanaka Gunasekara are the practice heads, and senior associate Shakthi Ratnakumaran is a key name in the group.Practice head(s):
Ayomi Aluwihare; Shanaka Gunasekara
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Asia Development Bank
Trilegal
Work highlights
- Advised Trilegal – on behalf of the International Finance Corporation – in its position as the consultant to the Government of Sri Lanka on the development of a 300MW solar and wind power park under a PPP model.
- Advised Sojitz Kelanitissa (Pvt) Ltd on the termination of a PPA entered into with the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and subsequent transfer of a thermal power plant to the CEB.
Sri Lanka > Intellectual property Tier 3
F. J. & G. De Saram‘s team of ‘highly skilled, experienced and professional’ practitioners is well versed in handling a wide scope of IP matters. The group's workload includes advising on alleged trade mark infringements, patent and design registrations and trade mark renewals. Shehara Varia specialises in IP protection matters, particularly in the corporate space, while Upekha Senaratne and Jayathri Kulatilleke both have expertise in registration and renewal work; the trio co-head the cohort.Practice head(s):
Shehara Varia; Upekha Senaratne; Jayathri Kulatilake
Other key lawyers:
Shevanthi Perera
Testimonials
‘The team members are highly skilled, experienced, and professional.’
‘Jayathri’s communications are clear and comprehensive.’
Key clients
BASF SE
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Inc,
Bayer Intellectual Property GmbH
Sunshine Holdings PLC
Spa Ceylon
Hayleys Adventis Limited
CBL Group
HILTON COLOMBO
Jetwing Hotels Limited
Work highlights
- Advised the client on a trade mark opposition case, involving a a conflicting trade mark application.
- Banking and finance
- Corporate and M&A
- Real estate and construction
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Dispute resolution
- Labour and employment
- Projects and energy