F. J. & G. De Saram remains 'an exceptional partner' to both domestic and international financial institutions, multilateral lenders, and corporates on a wide range of financing and regulatory mandates. The practice, co-led by Himali Mudadeniya, Ayomi Aluwihare, and Buwaneka Basnayake, is regularly engaged in sovereign and cross-border financings, project lending, and restructuring matters. The team has also provided input on recent legislative and regulatory developments, including work on the Banking (Amendment) Act and Public Debt Management Act, and policy advice to the Sri Lanka Banks’ Association. In capital markets, the firm has advised on major market reforms and listing projects, such as the introduction of a central counterparty framework for the Colombo Stock Exchange and the implementation of new corporate governance standards. Praveeni Algama continues to advise on public offerings and regulatory compliance, while Tilani Cooray focuses on payment systems and structured finance.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘FJG has been an exceptional partner during our pre-opening phase, demonstrating a deep understanding of both legal frameworks and commercial realities. They worked closely with us to identify practical, business-oriented solutions to complex legal challenges, particularly in a jurisdiction where the regulatory environment does not always align with the nature of our operations.'
‘It is a top law firm in Sri Lanka with some leading corporate lawyers in the team who are extremely competent, knowledgeable, experienced and highly professional. Their delivery has always been excellent. Highly recommended firm. ’
‘Ayomi Aluwihare - highly recommended for advice.'
‘Good listeners, reactive to client needs, patient.’
‘Talented and knowledgeable team, flexibility, use of technology was good.'
‘F J & G De Saram is considered one of the most professional legal firms in Sri Lanka. The opinions provided by them are very detailed and cover all aspects. They are capable of handling large scale legal projects for the banking industry and stand above the rest of the firms due to the large repository of knowledge and experience the firm has gained over the years.’
Key clients
- Citibank N.A.
- George Stuart & Co
- Sri Lanka Banks’ Association
- DFCC Bank PLC
- Colombo Stock Exchange
- Lynear Wealth Management (Private) Limited
- HNB Stockbrokers Limited
- Capital Alliance Holdings Limited
- Fitch Rating Agency (Pvt) Limited
- Chevron Lubricants PLC
- Citibank N.A.
- George Stuart & Co
Work highlights
Acted as local legal counsel to Citibank on its involvement as dealer manager for the International Sovereign Bond exchange by the Government of Sri Lanka.
Advised the Colombo Stock Exchange on the implementation of a central counterparty that guarantees the settlement of trades on the Colombo Stock Exchange.
Advised on the setting up of several collective investment schemes, including advising Capital Alliance Limited on the listing of its Five-Year Closed End Fund on the Colombo Stock Exchange by way of an introduction, and advising LYNEAR Wealth Management (Private) Limited on the setting up of the LYNEAR Wealth Liquid Money Market Fund.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Tilani Cooray
Practice head
Himali Mudadeniya; Ayomi Aluwihare; Buwaneka Basnayake
Other key lawyers
Shakthi Ratnakumaran; Nuwan Perera; Praveeni Algama; Tilani Cooray; Nishadh Iqbal