Domestic and international clients across the financial, infrastructure, energy, media and technology sectors regularly turn to Varners for advice on M&A deals, corporate finance, joint ventures, and commercial agreements. The team, which is known for its work on public-private transactions and regulatory compliance, continues to serve as legal adviser to the Colombo Port City Economic Commission on development and investment negotiations within Sri Lanka’s landmark special economic zone. Raj Selvaskandan, who regularly acts for corporate and private clients on a wide range of corporate and commercial deals, M&A, and restructurings, heads up the team with Mahinda Haradasa, who focuses on foreign investments, corporate due diligence and M&A. Other key practitioners include Vinothini Amarasekara, who is sought after for her expertise in financing, corporate and real estate transactions, and Krishanth Rajasooriyar, noted for his experience in cross-border commercial deals, joint ventures and foreign direct investments.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Our experience with them has been highly satisfactory, and several key attributes distinguish their practice from others in the industry. They have deep regional expertise.'
'Their nuanced understanding of the legal, regulatory, and business environment in Sri Lanka proved invaluable, especially for FDI and company incorporation. They combine legal rigour with practical, on-ground experience. They were also responsive and solution-oriented.'
'The team consistently provided timely, actionable advice—especially around employment contracts and commercial leasing—helping us navigate complexity with clarity and confidence.’
‘Raj and Krishanth were exceptional. Their ability to understand our needs and respond in the quickest way was exemplary. They took a holistic view of our needs when advising on structuring, considering legal, tax, and operational implications. This integrated perspective is often missing in more siloed legal advisory firms.’
Key clients
- BGN INT DMCC
- Globalization Partners (G-P)
- Colombo Port City Economic Commission
- Ceyline Investment Ltd
- S L A Mobility
- Ministry of Crab
- Colombo Port City Economic Commission
- CJSSS Partners Holdings (Pvt) Ltd
- Phoenix Ventures Limited
- Shareholders of a company which formerly operated restaurants connected to an international franchise
Work highlights
Advised BGN on its participation in the Government of Sri Lanka’s RFP for the divestment of state-owned Litro Gas, including end-to-end support on bid strategy, preparation and submission of bid documents, regulatory compliance, and representation throughout the bid evaluation process.
Advised Globalization Partners on the establishment of its fully owned subsidiary in Sri Lanka, including regulatory compliance, labour and tax matters, office lease negotiations, and preparation of employment and outsourcing agreements to support local operations.
Advised the Colombo Port City Economic Commission on its negotiations with Asiri Port City Hospital (Private) Limited for the development and operation of an international hospital in partnership with the Mayo Foundation, including drafting the investor agreement and head lease, and advising on financing, licensing, and transaction documentation.
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.
Krishanth Rajasooriyar
Practice head
Raj Selvaskandan; Mahinda Haradasa
Other key lawyers
Vinothini Amarasekara; Krishanth Rajasooriyar