Varners’ dispute resolution practice represents local and international clients - including key names from the banking, construction, hospitality, energy, real estate, pharmaceutical, transport and manufacturing sectors - in corporate, construction, and administrative disputes. The team handles a broad range of contentious matters, including insolvency, contractual, labour, and public law issues, and is increasingly active in international arbitration and conciliation. The practice is under the joint leadership of Raj Selvaskandan, Mahinda Haradasa, and Geethangani Jayasundara, the latter of whom is skilled in commercial litigation, civil injunctions and disputes concerning real estate, IP, debt recovery and labour law. Geethika Mannaperuma, who joined the firm in January 2024, brings extensive experience in trial and appellate matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Raj Selvaskandan is decisive and clear. Instructions and feedback are concise and precise and are never rushed. It's a pleasure to work with him especially considering his seniority and how openly he interacts with anyone.'
- 'What makes the firm unique is the detailed involvement of the team. They're not just looking to close your matter but they're looking to close it with the best possible long-term outcome - often considering aspects that clients may not even be aware of.'
Key clients
- International Restaurant Systems (Private) Limited and Mr Rusi Pestonjee Gas World (Pvt) Ltd Golden Island Hospitality (Private) Limited Slogal Energy DMCC Limit One Lanka (Pvt) Ltd Commercial Credit and Finance PLC Panda Lanka (Pvt) Ltd China Merchants Port Holdings Company Limited, Hambantota International Port Group (Pvt) Ltd, Hambantota International Port Services Company (Pvt) Ltd Gamini Wickremasinghe, Chamila Wickremasinghe, Leelananda Wickremasinghe, Lalith Wickremasinghe Thirunambhikumari Kulasekerampillai
Work highlights
Successfully represented Gas World (Pvt) Ltd in a Court of Appeal writ action challenging a Ministry of Health tender for medical air supply and services, facilitating mediation and securing an expedited resolution that led to dismissal of the case and completion of disputed tank constructions without additional State costs.
Practice head
Raj Selvaskandan; Mahinda Haradasa; Geethangani Jayasundara
Other key lawyers
Geethika Mannaperuma