Nithya Partners > Colombo, Sri Lanka > Firm Profile
Nithya Partners Offices
NO 97A, GALLE ROAD
COLOMBO 03
Sri Lanka
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Nithya Partners > The Legal 500 Rankings
Sri Lanka > Banking and finance Tier 1
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:
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.
Sri Lanka > Dispute resolution Tier 1
Nithya Partners‘ team has a strong reputation for its capabilities across the range of contentious work. The group's caseload includes handling IP disputes and litigation arising from the development of key national projects, such as representing VildulLanka PLC in a case contesting Sri Lanka’s renewable energy policies and energy sector laws. Chanaka de Silva is noted for his ability to ‘assess matters from diverse angles and provide holistic solutions’; he heads up the practice alongside Aruna Samarajewa.Practice head(s):
Chanaka de Silva; Aruna Samarajewa
Other key lawyers:
Uween Jayasinha
Testimonials
‘The team is responsive, with quick turnaround. They have the ability to give practical and commercially sound solutions.’
‘Chanaka de Silva is able to render advice and give solutions which are practical and commercially sound. His multidisciplinary background enhances his ability to assess matters from diverse angles and give holistic solutions. He is responsive to clients and available and accessible in urgent matters.’
‘The partner and his team study the brief thoroughly. The team has good understanding of the industry.’
‘The team is very professional in its approach.’
‘The litigation team at Nithya is very friendly and approachable.’
‘Chanaka De Silva is an expert in commercial law and practice. He has sharp logical sense.’
Key clients
Hongkong Shanghai Banking Corporation, Sri Lanka
Standard Chartered Bank, Sri Lanka
Future Consumer Limited, India
Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC), Sri Lanka
Nation’s Trust Bank PLC
Asiri Hospitals PLC
DFCC Bank PLC
VidulLanka PLC
MAS Intimates (Pvt.) Limited
Strategic Insurance Brokers (Pvt.) Limited
Work highlights
- Representing Future Consumer Limited of India in a number of contentious matters brought by a joint venture company seeking the transfer of the client’s entire stake in the joint venture, arising from the Reliance-Amazon dispute in India.
- Assisted VidulLanka PLC with two fundamental rights applications concerning disputes with the Ceylon Electricity Board and Sri Lanka’s sustainable energy groups, regarding the development of two renewable energy projects.
- Representing the former Solicitor General of Sri Lanka in a fundamental rights application and civil action, concerning allegations of political victimisation and defamation committed against the client.
Sri Lanka > Projects and energy Tier 1
The projects team at Nithya Partners is led by project finance expert Chanaka De Silva, and is noted for its experience in advising on complex financing and development matters concerning a broad range of projects. The group handles instructions from a range of industries, including electricity, telecoms, petroleum, roads, ports and mining, and also handles related litigation. Senior associate Dilrukshi Paul is a key name to note, advising on the regulatory and contractual elements of deals.Practice head(s):
Chanaka de Silva
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The partner and associates are very knowledgeable. They are also easily accessible.’
‘Very knowledgeable of the industry and very proactive in approach.’
Key clients
Lakdhanavi Limited
Adani Group of India
Vidul Lanka (Private) Limited
Metrocorp (Pvt.) Ltd.
Roughton Consultants, UK
China State Construction Engineering Corp. Ltd.
New Fortress Energy of USA
Maga Engineering (Pvt.) Ltd.
Tudawe Brothers (Pvt) Ltd.
Iluka Resources Limited
Magalganga Power Company (Pvt) Ltd
Work highlights
- Assisted Lakdhanavi Limited with clarifications and matters related to the procurement procedure from the evaluation process stage of its bid, and also represented the client in litigation concerning the award of the contract for the Kerawalapitiya LNG power plant.
- Advised New Fortress Energy Inc. on a transaction with the Government of Sri Lanka for the supply of LNG to the Yugadhanavi Power Plant, Sobadhanavi Power Plant and other future power plants in the Kerawalapitiya area.
- Advised the client on the terms of the draft Concession Agreement and is assisting with the structuring of a project, negotiations with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, joint venture related issues, and financing the project.
Sri Lanka > Real estate and construction Tier 1
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:
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.’
Sri Lanka > Tax Tier 1
The team at Nithya Partners advises on the full scope of tax work, including income tax, investments, reimbursements and loan loss-related matters. The group has established expertise in representing clients in appeals before the Supreme Court, for example acting for Setmil Developers Lanka in an appeal involving a broad array of tax issues. Practice head Naomal Goonewardena and associate Prashanthi Vignanantha are the key practitioners to note in the department.Practice head(s):
Naomal Goonewardena
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Standard Chartered Bank Ltd
McLarens Lubricants (Private) Limited
Setmil Developers Lanka (Pvt) Ltd
People’s Bank
People’s Leasing and Finance
CEI Plastics Limited
Ceylon Shell Flour (Private) Limited
Ole Spring Bottlers (Pvt) Ltd
Acuity Stockbrokers (Pvt) Ltd
Work highlights
- Acted for McLarens Lubricants (Private) Limited in a series of appeals before the Supreme Court concerning whether the supply of lubricants to ships plying in international waters amounts was classified as an ‘export’ under the Inland Revenue Act.
- Representing CEI Plastics Limited in a Supreme Court appeal on a matter under the Inland Revenue Act No.10 of 2006.
- Representing Peoples’ Bank in the Court of Appeal in a matter under the Value Added Tax Act No.14 of 2002.
Sri Lanka > Corporate and M&A Tier 2
The practice at Nithya Partners is well known for advising clients from the banking, financial services and consumer goods sectors, among others, on the full array of corporate work. Regulatory matters, corporate restructurings and transfers of ownership are prominent in the team's workload. The group's corporate expertise also dovetails with its strength in assisting clients with shareholders' rights issues, IPOs, and acquisitions of shares. Naomal Goonewardena heads up the cohort alongside M&A expert Nirusha Ratnatunga.Practice head(s):
Naomal Goonewardena; Nirusha Ratnatunga
Testimonials
‘Naomal Goonewardena has a strong dual legal and accounting background.’
‘A professional and knowledgeable team.’
‘Their exceptional commercial knowledge gives Nithya Partners an edge over other firms.’
‘They are a strong team of people who possess an in-depth knowledge in capital markets, which allows them to provide better solutions and recommendations to close transactions.’
‘An evident in-depth knowledge of commercial and financial aspects of capital markets.’
‘Nithya Partners’ team is very practical in giving solutions to the business community. They are technically sound and specialised.’
‘Naomal Goonewardena has thorough knowledge and competency. He is one of the most reasonable lawyers, plus he has a sound background in finance and taxation work.’
Key clients
Diesel & Motor Engineering Company PLC
CT CLSA Holdings (Private) Limited
New Anthoney’s Farms (Private) Limited
Sunshine Holdings PLC
Ironwood Investments (Private) Limited
DFCC Bank PLC
LB Finance PLC
UB Finance PLC
Work highlights
- Assisted DFCC Bank PLC with a rights issuance valued at LKR6bn.
- Assisted Bartleet Capital (Private) Limited and Bartleet Transcapital Limited with an amalgamation.
- Advised investment manager CT CLSA Holdings Limited on its acquisition of Guardian Acuity Asset Management (Private) Limited, another licensed investment manager.
Sri Lanka > Intellectual property Tier 2
Chamindi Ekanayake heads up the IP practice at Nithya Partners. The department has strong abilities in advising a wide range of clients on a broad array of IP matters, including trade mark registrations, the drafting of patents, and management of portfolios. The team is also well equipped to handle contentious mandates in the intellectual property space.Practice head(s):
Chamindi Ekanayake
Testimonials
‘We are quite impressed with the firm’s impeccable work ethic and dedication to providing legal advice.’
‘Chamindi treats even the smallest question with a lot of precision in a timely fashion.’
‘Chamindi is an extremely competent and dedicated lawyer. Our organization is very lucky to have found a legal counsel of her calibre to assist us with our trademark matters.’
Key clients
Maliban Biscuit Manufactories (Pvt) Ltd
Citizens Development Business Finance PLC
Renuka Group
Anverally and Sons (Pvt) Ltd
Hatton Plantations PLC
Ceylon Fresh Teas (Pvt) Ltd
Ecolab
Gets Pharma International FZ LLC
CCL Pharmaceuticals
Barista Coffee Lanka (Pvt) Ltd
Little Lion Associates (Pvt) Ltd
KIK Lanka (Pvt) Ltd
Work highlights
- Assisted the client with registration at the National Intellectual Property Office.
- Successfully defended a healthcare client against a refusal by the NIPO to register trade marks.
- Acted for Maliban Biscuit Manufactories (Pvt) Ltd in a case involving the NIPO’s initial refusal of the client’s trade marks, which were later successfully accepted for publication.
Nithya Partners > Firm Profile
The firm: Nithya Partners was established in 1997 with the goal of delivering a modern and responsive service in corporate and financial law. The Firm is led by a group of Partners who combine a unique blend of multi-disciplinary experience along with an extensive knowledge base of several years of legal practice in the public and private sector. These strengths have allowed the Firm to deliver innovative, timely and commercially viable solutions to clients, and thereby position itself as one of the leading corporate law firms in Sri Lanka, within a relatively brief period.
Areas of practice: Nithya Partners is a full service law firm with a strong presence in all the main practice areas such as Banking and Finance, Corporate, Commercial and M&A, Project Development, Dispute Resolution, Tax, Real Estate and Intellectual Property. Nithya Partners has participated in some of the largest cross-border investments, mergers and acquisitions of recent times. The firm has also leveraged its multi-disciplinary capabilities and assisted in several corporate and debt restructurings and securitisations. It is also a leading project law firm, having been involved in transactions in diverse sectors that include energy, telecommunications, transport, utilities and port development.
Banking and finance: Nithya Partners continues to maintain its strong practice in the area of banking and finance and has been actively involved in a number of large transactions which have taken place recently. The firm has demonstrated its expertise in the areas of international bond offerings, loan financing (bilateral and syndicated loans, ECA backed financing, secured and unsecured financing), structured financing, derivative and financial products, regulatory and compliance advice, banking regulation, banking documentation, trade financing and Islamic financing. The firm also continues to act as principal lawyers to several leading international banks which have established branch offices in Sri Lanka.
Conveyancing and real estate: Nithya Partners handles all aspects of conveyancing. The firm has represented a number of local conglomerates and foreign investors in the acquisition and development of residential, commercial and hotel properties.
Corporate, commercial and M&A: Nithya Partners is recognised as having one of the strongest practices in corporate, commercial and M&A. The firm has advised foreign and local clients on many of the largest transactions on and off the Colombo Stock Exchange. During the course of the previous year, the firm has dealt with a range of transactions in several sectors including cement, glass, food, hospitality, property, energy, freight forwarding, IT, financial services and healthcare.
Intellectual property: Nithya Partners has focused on developing its intellectual property practice over the years. The division offers a full range of services in IP related matters. These include registration of IP rights, representing clients in safeguarding their IP rights at the National Intellectual Property Office, carrying out IP audits for companies, assisting clients in IP asset management, creating awareness of IP strategies, drafting of agreements, drafting patent specifications and litigation.
Litigation and dispute resolution: Nithya Partners’ dispute resolution practice is primarily focused on high-value and complex corporate and commercial dispute resolution. The firm represents several original and appellate courts in Sri Lanka. Nithya Partners also has a strong arbitration practice, with the firm representing large local and foreign corporates in both local and international arbitrations.
Project finance: Nithya Partners’ project finance practice has been involved in most of the largest project development project finance transactions and negotiations in Sri Lanka. The firm regularly negotiates and structures large infrastructure projects in diverse areas such as electricity, telecommunication, petroleum, roads, ports and mining.
Tax: Nithya Partners has been consistently rated as the top tier law firm in Sri Lanka for Tax. The firm has represented and is representing several banks and corporates before the Tax Appeals Commission, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. The firm has been engaged to advise and represent clients both local and foreign in disputes involving both direct and indirect tax matters.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Agency and distributorship | Ms. Nirusha Ratnatunga | [email protected] | +94 11 4712625 (Ext 203) |
Alternative dispute resolution | Mr Chanaka de Silva, PC | [email protected] | +94 11 4712625 (Ext 207) |
Banking and finance | Mr. Naomal Goonewardena | [email protected] | +94 11 4712625 (Ext 209/210) |
Capital markets | Ms. Nirusha Ratnatunga | [email protected] | +94 11 4712625 (Ext 203) |
Commercial and civil litigation | Mr Chanaka de Silva, PC | [email protected] | +94 11 4712625 (Ext 207) |
Consumer law | Mr. Aruna Samarajewa | [email protected] | +94 11 4712625 (Ext 208) |
Conveyancing and real estate | Ms. Seanika Pulle | [email protected] | +94 11 4712625 (Ext 211) |
E-commerce | Mr. Aruna Samarajewa | [email protected] | +94 11 4712625 (Ext 208) |
Foreign investment | Mr. Naomal Goonewardena | [email protected] | +94 11 4712625 (Ext 209/210) |
Intellectual property | Ms. Chamindi Ekanayake | [email protected] | +94 11 4712625 (Ext 215) |
International trade | Ms. Nirusha Ratnatunga | [email protected] | +94 11 4712625 (Ext 203) |
Joint ventures | Ms. Nirusha Ratnatunga | [email protected] | +94 11 4712625 (Ext 203) |
Mergers and acquisitions | Ms. Nirusha Ratnatunga | [email protected] | +94 11 4712625 (Ext 203) |
Project financing | Mr Chanaka de Silva, PC | [email protected] | +94 11 4712625 (Ext 207) |
Tax | Mr. Naomal Goonewardena | [email protected] | +94 11 4712625 (Ext 209/210) |
Telecommunications | Mr Chanaka de Silva, PC | [email protected] | +94 11 4712625 (Ext 207) |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Ms Peshala Attygalle | Partner | View Profile | |
Ms Chamindi Ekanayake | Head of Department: Intellectual Property | View Profile | |
Mr Naomal Goonewardena | Precedent Partner | View Profile | |
Ms Seanika Pulle | Head of Department: Conveyancing & Real Estate | View Profile | |
Ms Nirusha Ratnatunga | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Aruna Samarajewa | Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Chanaka de Silva, PC | Partner | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 16Languages
English Sinhala- Banking and finance
- Dispute resolution
- Projects and energy
- Real estate and construction
- Tax
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Corporate and M&A
- Intellectual property