D. L. & F. De Saram is widely recognised for its expertise in the gamut of domestic lending, project financing and cross-border transactions. The team regularly advises on loan restructurings, regulatory compliance and structured finance, often in the context of high-value infrastructure and development projects. Savantha De Saram has long-standing experience across the full spectrum of banking and corporate matters, and is frequently engaged on transactions with international elements. Aloka Nandasena’s practice spans corporate and finance work, with a particular focus on capital markets and regulatory issues. Hansi Abayaratne is active on infrastructure and energy-related financings, while Ushara Ratnayake plays a central role in advising on financing structures and capital markets transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The competence of the team is definitely above the others, but what makes this team stand out is the focus on delivering on time. They also seem to be putting a lot more emphasis on technology than anyone else in the country.'
  • 'Savantha De Saram is undoubtedly the person leading the team. He is the unquestioned leader when any issue arises or a sticky point needs to be handled.'

Key clients

  • China Development Bank
  • JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A.
  • HSBC Bank PLC
  • Citigroup Global Marketing Holdings INC.
  • Capital Alliance Investments (Pvt) Ltd

Work highlights

Advised China Development Bank on the restructuring of 12 loan facilities granted to the Government of Sri Lanka and the National Water Supply and Drainage Board under the national debt restructuring programme.
Assisted with formulating a financial regulatory compliance checklist for JP Morgan Chase Bank.
Advised HSBC Bank PLC on Sri Lankan selling and transfer restrictions appearing in the NWP Market Access Base Prospectus based on local foreign exchange laws and regulations.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Savantha De Saram

Next Generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Aloka Nandasena

Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Ushara Ratnayake

Practice head

Savantha De Saram; Aloka Nandasena

Other key lawyers

Hansi Abayaratne; Ushara Ratnayak