Firm Profile > Julius & Creasy > Colombo, Sri Lanka
Julius & Creasy Offices
No. 371, R. A. de Mel Mawatha
PO BOX 154
COLOMBO 03
Sri Lanka
Julius & Creasy > The Legal 500 Rankings
Banking and finance Tier 1
Julius & Creasy has a first-rate team that regularly acts as local counsel to international lenders on large syndicated loans when they are granted to domestic banks, companies and the government of Sri Lanka. It also garners praise for its advice on setting up banks, debt trading and on issues relating to derivatives. The team has particular expertise in aircraft leasing and has also been busy advising local lenders on the full array of banking and regulatory matters. Other strengths lie in advising on sub-custodianship matters. Head of department is Janaki Kumaraguru whose expertise spans leveraged finance, trade financing as well as regulatory issues. Priya Sivagananathan is well-regarded too for her work on the full spectrum of banking and finance matters.
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Key clients
Air Lease Corporation
Avolon Aerospace International
Corporate and M&A Tier 1
Julius & Creasy has an excellent team that handles the full array of corporate and M&A work from acting as local counsel for the issuers and lead managers on bond issues through to advising a sizeable number of leading global telecommunications and social media companies on local regulatory compliance matters. It also garners praise for its work in other areas such as advising on data privacy issues on cross-border transactions and carrying out compliance checks on listed companies. Other strengths include advising on the restructuring of large conglomerates. In addition it has a specialist insurance law team that frequently advises on transactions involving insurance and reinsurance companies. Amila Fernando and Anandhiy Gunawardhana head the department.
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Testimonials
‘The team was very helpful in providing advice on Sri Lankan laws and regulations. We were able to close the deal properly, despite all the hiccups, given all the proper recommendations provided by Julius & Creasy‘.
‘It is very responsive and detail-orientated‘.
Key clients
Hutchison Telecommunications Lanka (Private) Limited
C M Holdings PLC
Zilingo Pte Ltd
International Distillers Limited
Deloitte Consulting Overseas Projects LLC
LeapFrog Investments
Sri Lankan Airlines Limited
Architectural Interiors (Export) (Private) Limited
Balapitiya Investments (Private) Limited
Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V.
Synteract, Inc.
Dispute resolution Tier 1
Julius & Creasy has a diverse practice that advises a significant number of Sri Lankan listed companies and global conglomerates on a wide range of disputes. The practice is adept at covering all aspects of civil, commercial and appellate litigation from contractual disputes to professional negligence, environmental issues, debt recovery and white-collar crime. The team has also represented clients in complex arbitrations including several international arbitrations that have been held under the rules of the ICC and the UNCITRAL. Notable names include the heads of department S. A. Carder, J.M. Swaminathan and Anandhiy Gunawardhana. The department’s associates also garner praise.
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Testimonials
‘It is a unique practice – the partners/associates have a great deal of experience in all industries and all areas of law (litigation, insurance, notaries etc) which sets them apart‘.
‘The relationships and respect that the lawyers build with the companies, government institutions directly and its indirect involvement with legislation is a key strength‘.
‘We work mainly with Prashanthi Mahindaratne relating to litigation. She has appeared on behalf of us in many cases and to date won all the cases. These are also cases against government institutions such as customs, consumer affairs authority etc which have been great wins for our company to stay true to our values and policies‘.
‘We also work with Mr. Swaminathan who is also very experienced and very well respected in the legal fraternity in Sri Lanka. He has also advised and given us a great deal of direction in our decision making which has helped the organisation immensely‘.
‘J&C has made a decision to take on pro-bono cases in matters of the environment that not many other legal firms do. Ms. Prashanthi Mahindaratne and Mr. Shanaka Amarasinghe. They are both determined and focused individuals to the task at hand. They are both knowledgeable about the law‘.
Key clients
Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS)
City Bank NA
Sabre Travel Network Lanka (Pvt) Ltd
International Committee of Red Cross
Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC)
Chevron Lubricants PLC
Timemark Limited
DFCC Bank PLC
Reckitt Benckiser (Lanka) Limited
Medtronic Inc. USA and India Medtronic Private limited
Finlays Colombo Limited
SmithKline Beecham (Private) Limited
Lankem Ceylon PLC
KIA Motors (Lanka) Limited
Standard Chartered Bank
DFP Canada Limited
Sigiriya Village Hotels PLC
Euro Capital
Dynamic Energies (Private) Limited
Colombo Stock Exchange
Private client Tier 1
Julius & Creasy regularly assists foreign clients and non-resident Sri Lankans with family law, investment, taxation and real estate matters. It is adept at representing fiduciaries, beneficiaries, executors and administrators on a wide range of testamentary matters, estate planning and other related ligation and is skilled at advising on property transfers, probate and the administration of wills and estates. Anandhiy Gunawardhana and Manjula Katugampola are recommended.
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Shipping Tier 1
SA Cader leads the group at Julius & Creasy that has an excellent track record of handling dry and wet claims. It acts predominantly for prominent charterers, salvors, ship managers and P&I clubs and also receives a steady flow of instructions from some major international law firms. In addition the accomplished team frequently represents clients in international arbitrations and regularly appears on behalf of ship owners in the Admiralty Court. It also advises on a variety of other shipping matters including ship purchases and sales, ship vessel arrests and advises on a myriad of disputes over salvage, towage and collisions.
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Tax Tier 1
Julius & Creasy has a strong tax practice that frequently provides legal opinions to foreign clients on direct investments in the country as well as assisting its clients when they are restructuring their businesses. It is also adept at providing legal opinions on various subjects such as direct and indirect tax issues. In addition, it frequently assists clients on the implementation of foreign employee share plans/employee incentive plans when they are being implemented by companies outside of Sri Lanka. Other strengths lie in liaising with various regulatory authorities. Another area of expertise is advising entities outside Sri Lanka on any tax issues on aircraft transactions. Heads of team Anandhiy Gunawardhana and Diluka Rodrigo are both well-respected tax practitioners.
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Intellectual property Tier 2
Anomi Wanigasekera leads the IP group at Julius & Creasy. Wanigasekera has extensive experience in the full range of enforcement, management and the transactional aspects of IP law. The team also frequently represents clients before the National Intellectual Property Office and acts for multinationals as well as local conglomerates on various infringement actions in addition to search and seizure orders. In addition the department is adept at advising on a diverse range of regulatory compliance matters.
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Testimonials
‘Anomi Wanigasekera is really well-known and respected in the market, she acts for some superb clients, very impressive‘.
Real estate and construction Tier 2
Julius & Creasy handles the full array of conveyancing and real estate matters for predominantly developers, contractors and overseas investors and also assists its clients with planning issues. It is skilled too at advising on lease and tenancy agreements as well as on condominium property declarations. The practice is also strong for construction work and its expertise spans bidding preparation, contract negotiation in addition to financing issues. J.M. Swaminathan is a key member of the team who is particularly recommended on the contentious side. Rajika Louis and Thilanka Haputhanthrie are the other primary contacts.
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Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Anomi Wanigasekera | Partner | View Profile |
International Capabilities
Memberships
- Council Member – Asia Patent Attorneys Association
- Trademark Committee Member – Asia Patent Attorneys Association
- Joint Secretary – Asia Patent Attorneys Association, Sri Lanka Group
- Member – International Trademark Association (INTA)
- Member – Institute of Trademark Attorneys, UK (ITMA)
- Member – American Chamber of Commerce
- IPR Committee Member – American Chamber of Commerce
- Life Member – Bar Association of Sri Lanka
- Life Member – Colombo Law Society
- Examiner Sr Lanka Law College
Publications
- Parallel Imports and some aspects of Trademark Law (co-authored) 2008 BASLJ p.49
- Trademark Conflict on the Internet
- Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights in Sri Lanka
- Comparison of Hague-Visby and Hamburg Rules
- Women in Intellectual Property Law
- Patent Protection in Sri Lanka
- Comparison of Hague-Visby and Hamburg Rules
2020
Award Publication/Awarding Body/Miscellaneous
Intellectual property, Asialaw Profiles, Anomi Wanigasekera, Julius & Creasy
Best overall firm by aggregate score, Asialaw Profiles, Julius & Creasy
Asia’s top women in law, Asia Business Law Journal, Anomi Wanigasekera
2019
Award Publication/Awarding Body/Miscellaneous
Winner – Sri Lanka – Patents 2019, Asia IP Awards, Anomi Wanigasekera
Law Firm of the Year, Sri Lanka, Corporate LiveWire 2019 Global Awards –
Leading Adviser Awards – Leading Intellectual Property Attorney of the Year, Sri Lanka Acquisition International, Anomi Wanigasekera
Intellectual Property Law firm of the Year in Sri Lanka, Global Law Experts Annual Awards – 2019, Anomi Wanigasekera
Certificate of Excellence for outstanding performance in: Full Service Law, Advisory Excellence, Anomi Wanigasekera
2018
Award Publication/Awarding Body/Miscellaneous
Certificate of Excellence for outstanding performance in: Intellectual Property Law Advisory Excellence, Anomi Wanigasekera
Excellence in IP Law Services CorporateLiveWire Innovation & Excellence Awards 2018, Anomi Wanigasekera
IP Lawyer of the Year 2018 – Sri Lanka IP Excellence Awards 2018, Anomi Wanigasekera
2017
Award Publication/Awarding Body/Miscellaneous
Best IP Law Firm 2017 – Sri Lanka Acquisition International Excellence Awards 2017, Anomi Wanigasekera
Acquisition International Excellence Award 2017 Best IP Law 2017 – Sri Lanka, Anomi Wanigasekera
Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year in Sri Lanka 2017 CorporateINTL Global Awards 2017, Anomi Wanigasekera
2015
Award Publication/Awarding Body/Miscellaneous
2015 Asia IP Awards Sri Lanka trademarks firm of the Year Sri Lanka copyright firm of the Year, Anomi Wanigasekera
Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year in Sri Lanka 2015 Corporate International Magazine Legal Award, Anomi Wanigasekera
Notable Cases
SC. Appeal 92/2019 – Unilever Sri Lanka Limited vs. Nature’s Beauty Creations Limited
We act on behalf of the Plaintiff-Appellant. We have filed action on behalf of our clients against the Defendant-Respondent for publishing / airing disparaging advertisements against our clients in contravention of Section 160 of the Intellectual Property act No. 36 of 2003. Although, the Hon. Commercial High Court made Order refusing the Interim Injunction prayed by us, The Supreme Court has granted leave to our clients in appeal of the said Order. Supreme Court further granted an Interim Order restraining the Defendant-Respondent from publishing / airing the three specific advertisements. The said Appeal has been fixed for Argument.
HC (Civil) 26/2019/IP – Watawala Tea Ceylon Limited vs. Harrisons (Colombo) Limited and International Cosmetics (Private) Limited
We represented the Defendants in this matter. The Plaintiff instituted action against our clients obtaining an Enjoining Order at the first instance, restraining our clients from using, packing, supplying, advertising, promoting, marketing and selling their “Apê Thê” brand of tea. However, we have successfully defended our clients which resulted in the Hon. Court vacating the Enjoining Order against the Defendants and further refusing the Interim Injunction prayed for by the Plaintiff. As a result, the Plaintiff withdrew the action. A separate action has been initiated by the defendants against the plaintiff claiming damages for the loss caused during the operation of Enjoining Order..
HC (Civil) 37/2019/IP – Maharaja Entertainments (Private) Limited vs. Independent Television Network Limited
We represent the Plaintiff in this matter. Our client holds the exclusive territorial license in respect of the film “ASTERIX: The Secret of the Magic Potion” for commercial exploitation in the territory of Sri Lanka. This action was instituted against a television channel based in Sri Lanka for wrongfully, unlawfully and without authorization from our clients, broadcasting the said film in Sri Lanka in violation of client’s copyright and related rights. This case is fixed for Interim Injunction Inquiry by way of Oral Submissions.
HC (Civil) 03/2020/IP – CONSTANCE CARROLL Spolka Z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnoscia Spolka Komandytowa vs. British Cosmetics (Pvt) Ltd
We act on behalf of the Plaintiff – a Polish company who are the owners of the “CONSTANCE CARROLL” mark, used in relation to its world famous cosmetic products. We have instituted action on behalf of our clients against the former local distributor of the said products for engaging in Unfair Competition and violating our client’s rights under Section 144 of the Intellectual Property act No. 36 of 2003. We also represent our client in connected inquiries against the defendants at the National Intellectual Property Office and the National Medicines Regulatory Authority.
HC (Civil) 06/2020/IP – Minor International Public Company Limited and MHG IP Holding (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. vs. Dr. Anoma Jayasinghe and Mr. Rohan Jayasinghe
We represent the Plaintiffs who operate several hotels and resorts worldwide under the name and style of “AVANI”. We have filed action on behalf of our clients against the owners of boutique hotel carrying on business under the name and style of “ARVANI” VILLA. We have pleaded that the said act amounts to Unfair Competition in terms of Section 160 and trademark infringement under Section 121 of the Intellectual Property act No. 36 of 2003.
Interviews
Anomi Wanigasekera, Partner
Anomi heads the Intellectual Property division at Julius & Creasy. What has been your greatest achievement, in a professional and personal capability?
My greatest achievement would be balancing the role of being a mother and a successful lawyer in a country that has set gender roles that are not conducive to the career development of women. More specifically, being able to give off my time and attention to the role of the mother that I play in my family as well as the role of the career woman whilst staying current in the ever evolving society.
What do you do differently from your peers in the industry?
What sets me apart from my peers is patience and professionalism in which I handle both clients and circumstances. In an industry/ profession that is increasingly becoming competitive many professionals are seen going out of their way to secure clients and opportunities, at times resorting to unethical and unprofessional practices. I have always believed in doing the right thing and sending out good, positive vibes out, which has been well rewarded.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would advise my younger self to expect the unexpected and stay positive.
Can you give me a practical example of how you helped a client add value to the business?
Unprecedented COVID 19 pandemic situation has affected the global community and has had a drastic impact on the national as well as international trade and economy. Looking ahead to the next 12 months, we all got to work hard and be prepared to assist and support clients in responding to the economic slowdown due to the pandemic situation. We all have to be strong and positive in these difficult times and do everything possible to maintain good relationships with clients.
Within your sector, what do you think will be the biggest challenge for clients over the next 12 months?
I always advice and encourage clients to protect their brands, new designs and inventions by registering with the authorities. As Intellectual Property is an intangible asset which can fetch a high value to product/service as well as the business A subsidiary of Hayleys Group of companies registered their brand names, Designs and Patents in Sr Lanka as well as in foreign jurisdictions and was successful in enforcing their rights in Sri Lanka as well as in other jurisdictions such as India, UK. USA.