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Sri Lanka
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Tax

F. J. & G. De Saram

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F. J. & G. De Saram’s tax practice, led by Anjali Fernando, delivers advice on the full spectrum of corporate and indirect taxation, with particular strength in cross-border and transactional mandates. The group acts for a high-profile client base which includes Uber, Citibank and Allianz, advising on complex matters involving VAT reform, double taxation treaties, and transfer pricing. The team regularly supports multinational clients on the tax implications of business restructurings, capital gains, and digital operations, while also representing clients before the Inland Revenue Department and various courts. Nishadh Iqbal and Thamodi Withanachchi support the practice’s growing portfolio, contributing to work on digital taxation and compliance.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'What stood out most was their collaborative spirit and responsiveness. The team was consistently available, engaged, and willing to work through complex scenarios with patience and clarity. Their insights helped us make informed decisions with confidence, and their support has laid a strong foundation for our ongoing tax compliance and strategic planning.’

  • ‘We are deeply grateful to Anjali Fernando for her exceptional guidance during the pre-opening phase of our business. Her deep expertise in gaming-related tax matters, combined with her strategic thinking and responsiveness, made her an invaluable advisor. Anjali’s ability to simplify complex tax issues and offer commercially sound solutions gave us clarity and confidence at every step. Her support was instrumental to our successful launch.’

  • ‘The team from top to bottom are very well sounded in the relevant field of providing advice and services. Hence any client could work confidently with them to obtain accurate, timely advice and services.’

  • ‘Delivery of services is accurate and on time.’

  • ‘The firm has a team of brilliant lawyers who are subject matter experts and understand client's requirements and are able to collaborate efficiently.’

  • 'Operating in a highly regulated and complex industry, we faced a number of nuanced tax challenges that required not only technical precision but also a deep understanding of the commercial realities unique to our sector. The team rose to the occasion with remarkable professionalism, offering clear, strategic guidance that was both legally sound and commercially viable.'

Key clients

  • Uber B.V.
  • Citibank, N.A.
  • Allianz SE

Work highlights

Advised Uber on legal and constitutional implications of the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Act relating to services supplied through electronic platforms by non-resident entities, including handling Supreme Court proceedings and a negotiated settlement with the Government of Sri Lanka.
Advised Allianz SE on the sale of its Sri Lankan life insurance subsidiary, Allianz Life Insurance Lanka Limited, to Softlogic Life Insurance PLC, including local law advice and tax advice, with a focus on capital gains implications.

Practice head

Anjali Fernando

Other key lawyers

Nishadh Iqbal; Thamodi Withanachchi