F. J. & G. De Saram’s team handles a broad spectrum of corporate matters, including both domestic and cross-border M&A, capital markets, and corporate restructuring. The group advises on high-value transactions across key sectors such as telecommunications, media, technology, manufacturing, hospitality, and infrastructure, while also actively engaging in emerging areas like data protection and digital transformation. The team is jointly led by six practitioners: Ayomi Aluwihare; Shehara Varia, noted for her experience in mergers, acquisitions and divestments across the retail, insurance, manufacturing and hospitality sectors; Anjali Fernando, who focuses on M&A, joint venture projects and privatisations; Himali Mudadeniya, who also oversees the banking and finance practice; Buwaneka Basnayake, who regularly advises clients on business expansion outside of Sri Lanka; and Shanaka Gunasekara, a key contact for data protection and privacy matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'Buwaneka Basnayake stands out for his expertise and corporate-related work, and Shehara Varia for her helpful attitude and expertise.'
‘We are deeply appreciative of the outstanding support provided by FJG’s corporate and M&A team, whose expertise and dedication have been instrumental in guiding us through a wide range of complex legal and regulatory matters. Their work across regulatory compliance, licensing, employment law, and data privacy has been nothing short of exceptional.'
- 'The team demonstrated a remarkable ability to understand the intricacies of our business and tailor their advice to meet both legal requirements and commercial realities. Their guidance on regulatory and licensing matters was clear, proactive, and always aligned with our strategic goals, helping us navigate a jurisdiction with evolving and often opaque frameworks.'
'Shehara Varia provided consistently insightful and practical guidance, helping us build a compliant and resilient workforce with a clear understanding of local employment frameworks. Shanaka Gunasekara offered truly exceptional support in navigating the complexities of data protection. Shevanthi Perera brought a sharp, analytical approach to both domains, helping us align our investment structures and employment practices with regulatory expectations while keeping our business goals front and centre.'
'Thamodi Withanachchi's hands-on involvement and meticulous attention to detail were instrumental in translating legal requirements into practical, actionable processes. Her responsiveness and clarity made a significant difference in our implementation efforts. Nishadh Iqbal continued to be a reliable and versatile contributor, offering thoughtful support across multiple areas and consistently demonstrating a deep understanding of regulatory nuances. Shakthi Ratnakumaran provided invaluable assistance in corporate and transactional matters, approaching each task with diligence, precision, and a strong sense of ownership.
‘The team is highly skilled, practical in their application of the law to business-related challenges, attuned to market realities and therefore able to meet even the most complex expectations of corporate clients. They have a wide practice and their strength lies in their ability to provide wholistic support through inter department collaboration unlike certain firms in the country that work in silos. ’
‘Partners and associates are highly skilled, practical in their application of the law to business related challenges, attuned to market realities and therefore are able to provide better solutions to their corporate clients. They are accessible and quick to respond and deliver work with speed and efficiency.’
'Shanaka Gunasekara- Positive Outlook; understanding of external oerspective; clear upfront clarity of various economic requirements; approaches things from an economic legal counsel rather than a pure lawyer.'
Key clients
- Dialog Axiata PLC
- International Finance Corporation
- Michelin Lanka (Private) Limited
- Melco International Development
- Unilever Sri Lanka Limited
- Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka Limited
- Emerald Sri Lanka Fund I Limited
- Jetwing Group of Companies
- Hela Apparel Holdings PLC
- Pearson Lanka (Private) Limited
- hSenid Business Solutions PLC
- Colombo Stock Exchange
Work highlights
Advised Airports of the Regions acting through an international law firm on the proposed transfer of operations and management of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport to a joint venture between Shaurya Aeronautics Pvt Ltd (India) and Airports of the Regions by Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited.
Advised Michelin on the divestment of its construction compact line business in Sri Lanka to CEAT Limited, including seller-side due diligence, regulatory structuring, transfer of BOI-approved assets, and employee transition involving approximately 2,000 personnel.
Advised Melco on the establishment and operation of the $100m ‘City of Dreams Sri Lanka’ integrated gaming resort, including investment structuring, joint venture arrangements, regulatory compliance, and data protection and privacy.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Ayomi Aluwihare; Shehara Varia; Anjali Fernando; Himali Mudadeniya; Buwaneka Basnayake; Shanaka Gunasekara
Other key lawyers
Praveeni Algama; Shevanthi Perera; Tilani Cooray; Thamodi Withanachchi; Nishadh Iqbal; Shakthi Ratnakumaran